- P11D Value/BIK Band: £22,240/27%
- 5-door, 5-seater estate
- 139ps/340Nm, 1,7-litre 4cyl diesel/6-spd manual box
- Economy (comb)/C02: 64.2mpg/113g/km
- Performance: 9.8sec/124mph
What is it?
The Optima is Kia’s effort to extract you from a Mondeo or Insignia by offering something with more space, style and technology. There’s enough of a premium air that BMW and Audi drivers might even be tempted to give it a look.
Long, low and wide, the Optima Sportswagon packs a practical punch with a boot that’s larger than the Mondeo’s loadspace, but can’t quite match that of the Skoda Superb. The stylish cabin is loaded with equipment too.
Kia’s 1.7-litre diesel engine might sound a little small, but it’s a smooth unit that’s powerful enough to keep the Optima comfortable when cruising, without sacrificing economy that promises 64.2mpg.
While low CO2 emissions, combined with a low P11D price, the Optima Sportswagon has a highly competitive benefit in kind company car tax, starting from just £100 per month. Not a lot of tax for a big load mover.
Verdict on Kia Optima Sportswagon 1.7 CRDi
The Optima Sportswagon gets overlooked as there are some excellent premium rivals, but Kia’s estate is a match for most of them. Distinctive, yet classy styling draws the eye, while the important business of being an estate car is looked after well.
Its chassis is set up for a motorway cruise rather than a lap of the Nurburgring, while standard equipment including cruise control, climate control and leather trim around the cabin makes it a luxurious place to relax while driving.
A seven-year warranty, strong economy and a company car tax rate of 27%, plus 100% of the lease rentals are allowable against tax, also makes it a viable business proposition, strong enough to be worth looking ahead of plenty of more obvious models.
