Sometimes it is so difficult for a car enthusiast to choose which car to choose.
You need to understand everything technical details car, the quality of its assembly and many other factors that they simply may not have time to study.
Today we want to help people who can’t decide which car is better for them to choose: Toyota Camry or Kia Optima 2016?
To compare which is better, we will take the two most powerful versions car - this is a Luxury Toyota Camry and .
Safety
First of all, it’s worth talking about safety, since this is the most important thing in a car. The standard, of course, is ABS and ESP. The first differences begin already at the airbag stage.
Both the Camry and Optima have Airbug for the driver and passengers, have Airbug to protect the driver's knees, and have side airbags. However, in the car Korean manufacturer There are no side Airbags in the back, but Toyota is equipped with them, which makes its safety better.
The safety advantages of the Kia Optima include the presence of a locking function rear doors, which is a useful addition if you are transporting children.
The Korean car is also equipped with a hill start assist function. Not essential, but it would be better if there was such a function. Each car is equipped with a traditional blind spot monitoring system.
At the “safety” stage it’s a draw; here you have to choose according to your own taste. However, if you still often travel with your children, then it is better to choose Optima than Camry because of the possibility of locking the rear doors.
Comfort
Of course, both have climate control; you can’t live without it. For ease of control, the 2016 Toyota Camry and Kia Optima have power steering.
If you like to drive long distances, then manufacturers have prepared cruise control for your comfort.
Traditionally there is an infotainment system. Here everyone will choose for themselves what is best for them: screen size on-board computer, interface design, possible functions and lots of other things.
And if you're worried about hitting something when parking in tight spots, the Camry and Optima come equipped with front and rear parking assist. In addition, the Korean car has a fully automatic parking, but the Japanese didn’t think about it.
Each vehicle also has a built-in rear view camera to assist with parking.
The remaining “comfort” details are minor:
- sun blinds on the front and rear windows;
- keyless access and push-button start;
- adjustable steering wheel for reach and height.
Toyota Camry and Kia Optima of the 2016 model range are designed for maximum comfort so that trips around the city or countryside bring only pleasure. Here again there is a “draw”; you will have to choose which is better according to your own preferences; it is impossible to say specifically which option is better.
Salon
The Kia Optima's interior turned out to be more interesting than that of the 2016 Toyota Camry. Apparently, the Japanese have focused on simplicity.
First of all, I would like to say that the interior of both cars is trimmed with leather, including steering wheel, and the Korean car also has a gearshift lever.
Both are equipped with the ability to electrically adjust the front seats, and the Camry also has electrically adjustable rear seats. Both cars have the ability to save the front seat positions for future use.
To make the car comfortable all year round, including in cold weather, the Kia Optima and Toyota Camry of the 2016 line have heated front and rear rear seats. The Korean also has ventilated front seats.
But, again, it would be wrong to say something specific because of minor differences, so according to this criterion you need to choose again based on your tastes and preferences.
Review
Kia Optima and Toyota Camry are equipped with light sensors and rain sensors, which probably no car of this class can do without now.
Both cars are equipped with an adaptive lighting system, and the Japanese one is also equipped with fog lights and a high-beam control system.
To ensure that your view is not impaired, both cars are equipped with headlight washers, electric mirrors, and heated mirrors. Toyota Camry also has an electrically heated windshield.
Power
The 2016 Toyota Camry is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine that develops 249 Horse power and 346 Nm of torque. The power plant operates in conjunction with an automatic 6-speed gearbox.
The Japanese accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. The maximum speed is 100 km/h. At quiet ride In the city it consumes about 13 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, on the highway it takes about 7 liters. Equipped with front-wheel drive and belongs to environmental class Euro 4.
The Korean brainchild of the 2016 Kia Optima model range stores a 2-liter engine under the hood Gas engine with four cylinders and develops 245 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. The engine operates with a six-speed gearbox automatic transmission transmission
The 2016 Kia Optima accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds, and maximum speed car speed is 240 km/h. Moving around the city, you will need 12.5 liters per 100 kilometers, which is better than the Camry.
On the highway, consumption will be a little more than 6 liters. There is also a turbocharger here.
As you can see, we can say that the Kia Optima is, after all, more powerful than the Toyota Camry. Based on other criteria, it is difficult to say which is better. Much depends on the design preferences of each car enthusiast: some will like the more restrained design of the Korean, while others will like the more daring Japanese design.
One way or another, both cars are approximately in the same price segment. For a Korean you will have to pay 1,750,000 rubles, and a Japanese one will cost the buyer 1,960,000 rubles. The difference in price, of course, but in general, it is not significant.
Sedan Toyota Camry It has always been in high demand among us. Only at the beginning of this year began to claim its leadership in sales in the class Korean Kia Optima. But the Japanese have a powerful answer ready - Camry new generations.
The other day Russian representative office Toyota has announced prices for the new generation Camry. Let's find out what is more profitable: super popular with us Toyota sedan Camry or Kia Optima.
Sales and ratings
In the last decade, when foreign automakers, one after another, built their factories in Russia, Toyota took an amazing (as it seemed then) step. While other brands put compact sedans on the assembly line, the Japanese launched Camry into production. And they were right! Thanks to localization, they were able to set an attractive price, which immediately affected demand. In other years, this model was sold in the same volume as all classmates of other brands combined. Thus, at the end of last year, 28,063 Camry sedans. A very worthy indicator! However, the increase relative to 2016 is purely symbolic.
But the demand for Kia sedan Optima has recently doubled in size - Russians purchased 12,882 copies. The success can be attributed not only to the growing market and reasonable prices, but also to the interesting, youthful design of the car. However, with the advent of the new Camry, this trump card has already been won back - Toyota looks no less modern.
Engine and transmission
In America, the Camry was fully offered new line engines, however, the situation in our market is special. Basic motor, as before, a 2-liter “four” 6AR-FSE with a return of 150 hp serves. The Japanese have not yet disclosed dynamics data for the new Camry. It is possible that it accelerates to the first hundred in the same 10.4 seconds as its predecessor. For a large, respectable sedan, this engine is barely enough. If you are demanding on dynamics, take a better look at the 2.5-liter version. Its 2AR-FE engine produces the same power - 181 hp. These “horses” carried the previous Camry to hundreds in 9 seconds - with new model the result should be similar. Both of these modifications are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The main under-hood news is for the top version. It has a new 3.5-liter V-shaped six 2GR-FKS at its disposal. Her main feature is a system combined injection- into the intake manifold and combustion chamber. In foreign markets, this engine develops 305 hp, but for us it was derated to a tax-efficient 249 hp. This engine is paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
Under the hood basic version Kia also has a 2-liter 150-horsepower engine. But Optima 2.0 is the only model in the segment that can be purchased with manual transmission transmission A six-speed automatic transmission is available at extra cost. In the first case, acceleration to hundreds takes 9.6 seconds, in the second - 10.7.
Optima with a 2.4 engine already has 188 horsepower. However, the additional forces do not provide any particular advantage over the Camry 2.5 - acceleration to 100 km/h takes a comparable 9.1 seconds. The top version of the Optima, unlike Toyota, is equipped not with a V6, but with a turbo-four, which, with a displacement of 2 liters, develops 245 hp. This modification is capable of catapulting to hundreds in 7.4 seconds, and its maximum speed is 240 km/h.
Options and prices
Basic Camry version It’s called Standard and costs 1,399,000 rubles. Its package includes LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, six airbags, ESP, dual-zone climate control, power accessories, audio system, engine start button, electric handbrake, light sensor, as well as heated front seats, exterior mirrors and windshield - in the rest zone " wipers."
The Standard Plus modification is offered with both the 2.0 (1,499,000 rubles) and 2.5 (1,623,000 rubles) engine. It is supplemented with front and rear parking sensors, leather steering wheel, rain sensor, media system with 7-inch touch screen, cruise control. Versions with the 2.5 engine are also equipped with headlight washers and inductive charging for smartphones. Classic version is different leather interior and electric front seats. Price - from 1,549,000 rubles. Moreover, the surcharge for the 2.5 engine in this case will be higher - 154,000 rubles.
The Elegance Safety (1,818,000 rubles) and Prestige Safety (1,930,000 rubles) versions come exclusively with a 2.5-liter engine. In the first case, the equipment adds 17-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel and windshield, a rear view camera, a knee airbag for the driver, as well as the Toyota Safety Sense complex ( adaptive cruise control plus threat warning systems frontal collision with the function of automatic braking and pedestrian recognition, lane marking monitoring and road sign reading). In the second case, the equipment is complemented by 18-inch wheels, an air ionizer, an advanced JBL audio system, contour lighting and a touch screen enlarged to 8 inches.
The version with a V6 engine can be purchased for 2,166,000 rubles. This is if you choose the Luxury Safety package, which will delight the crew with an electric steering column, ventilated front seats, three-zone climate control, electric rear seats, rear side airbags and curtains on the rear row windows. The flagship version of Executive Safety - with all-round cameras, a head-up display and electrically adjustable steering wheel - is offered for 2,341,000 rubles.
Prices for Optima with comparable equipment are more affordable. Thus, a basic two-liter car with a manual transmission (other trim levels are available only with an automatic transmission) is offered for 1,209,900 rubles. But the equipment is meager: air conditioning, radio, 16-inch steel wheels. The Comfort modification already costs 1,329,900 rubles. It adds separate climate control, a rain sensor, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, and a USB port for rear passengers.
In the Luxe package (from 1,449,900 rubles) you will receive light alloy wheel disks, electric driver's seat, navigator, rear view camera, parking sensors and electric handbrake. Starting with this version, a 2.4-liter engine is also offered. The additional payment for it is 80,000 rubles. Prestige version will cost at least 1,529,900 rubles. It is equipped with blind spot monitoring and parking assist systems. in reverse, knee airbag, keyless entry and push-button engine start, advanced Harman/Kardon acoustics, touch screen with an increased diagonal, heated second-row seats and a contactless trunk opening function.
The GT turbo modification will lighten your pocket by 1,879,900 rubles. It is distinguished by 18-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, a sports steering wheel, an all-round visibility system, ventilated front seats, electric passenger seats, and curtains for the rear side windows.
Where to stop?
The new Camry has made a small revolution. Of course, this car has changed conceptually! Sweeping looks, a driver-focused interior, and brisk handling to please active driver, - we have never known a Toyota like this. But there is a lot to pay for these changes. Compared to its predecessor, it only became cheaper basic modification- other versions have significantly increased in price. And if you remember about the traditionally high Camry price comprehensive insurance and short service intervals (10,000 km), then you need to be prepared for the fact that owning a Toyota sedan will cost a pretty penny.
In this sense, the Optima appears to be a better investment. It initially costs less, and its insurance is relatively inexpensive, and you need to call for maintenance less often (once every 15,000 km). In addition, Kia attracts with a five-year warranty. So if you want to avoid high costs for a car after purchase, then a Korean sedan would be preferable compared to a Camry.
A certain Charles Darwin, also known as “that bearded man in the portrait,” came up with the theory of natural selection. He wrote: “Natural selection daily and hourly investigates throughout the world beneficial changes, discarding the bad ones, preserving and creating the best ones.” This thing works from microbes to humans. It affects plants and much more complex biological species that exist or have ever existed on planet Earth. But are our iron four-wheeled friends subject to this inexorable algorithm of life? The answer is an unconditional “YES”. On clear example three best sedans over the last 10 years, we will try to find out which of them is better, go over the main pros and cons, and also try to predict which of the three will give up first and end up in the dustbin of history (hypothetically).
In a layman's sense, the most important in the formation of any car model are:
I. Visual appeal
II.Reliability
III. Convenience
We will compare the three models based on these factors. The material does not pretend to provide any in-depth analysis, so we turn to those gurus who need exact percentages and numbers: you won’t find them here. But for those who just want to quickly compare three models and understand which one is better to buy (except, it is no longer available on the Russian market), the information will be just right.
Toyota Camry
Let's start with this, perhaps. Japanese sedan. Why exactly from him? It’s just that there was a big fuss around his “person” in Russia. Finally, the eighth generation has come to us. Without exaggeration we can say: “They love him here and they were waiting for him here.”
What advantages do we see in the new Camry XV70?
1. Appearance. We have emphasized this many times. For once, she has moved away from stamping lean, unattractive forms. Latest generations they turned out to be some faceless ones. Even the design theory, repeatedly confirmed by practice, that at first one should not like the style of a car, which passes over time and develops into ardent adoration, and then gradually fades away, did not work until the advent of the new generation of Camry.
The VII generation car was initially received rather coolly by the public and could not melt the hearts of fans even years later. The situation is diametrically opposite with the new Camry. The photographs you see in front of you are proof of this. It would be clearly unnecessary to describe the advantages here.
2. Reliability. Another undeniable ace up Toyota’s sleeve, which, however, is a serious disadvantage of the car, but more on that later. Machines assembled for American market, and even more so for Japanese, they are phenomenally indestructible. “Russian” Camrys are slightly inferior to their counterparts. Judging by reviews from owners, they break more often.
Do you think our guys are assembling these cars incorrectly, again using sledgehammers to tighten the bolts? No. Just components that go into different countries, differ radically in quality in order to maintain an acceptable price balance. But even in this situation, Camry is head and shoulders above everyone else (the new generation of the sedan has already established itself abroad as reliable car). An indestructible car is a plus for him.
3. Salon. Business class at its finest. Photos for proof:
Here again we will be laconic - the photos speak for themselves. Toyota assures that the quality of materials has seriously improved, we hope so, since previously the situation with creaks and oak plastic drove many owners to white heat.
4. Formally, the advantages include the presence electronic systems security. The new generation Camry uses the most Hi-tech protecting occupants and preventing collisions. All thanks to Toyota's proprietary security system. Other manufacturers have developed their own similar systems, which will simply differ in the nuances of driving for the driver.
Cons of Toyota Camry
1. Cost of spare parts. We've always been there expensive spare parts. You have to pay for quality. Reliability is expensive these days.
2. Cars of this brand are used by car thieves. The model in the new body will not be an exception. Most likely, on the contrary, at first you will have to keep a close eye on your four-wheeled treasure, park it in a guarded parking lot and equip it with high-quality anti-theft devices, including mechanical ones.
3. Engines are power hungry. Since the engines have not changed in the new generation, you should not expect a decrease in fuel consumption.
4. Handling and dynamics. In the first case, there are improvements - the engineers worked on the taxiing, and the drivers felt it. Almost no one had serious complaints about thoughtfulness and slow response. But the dynamics... They remain the same as they were.
Price list for the new generation Toyota Camry: from 1,399,000 to 2,341,000 rubles.
Kia Optima
The Korean automaker is known for its affordable prices. Also, popularity among Russians is due to the relative low cost of maintenance and simplicity of design when carrying out maintenance on your own. At the same time, Optima’s appearance fits perfectly into modern fashion trends. The fourth generation, which appeared in 2015, has proven itself well in the global market.
Sales in Russia of this model, of course, do not reach the favorite domestic market - Kia Rio(more than 25 thousand cars have been sold since the beginning of the year). This is understandable, the classes of cars are different, and so are the prices. Not everyone is ready to post 1,170,000-1,710,000 rubles. But it is significantly cheaper than its competitor from Japan.
pros
1. Let's start with the exterior. All markers have different tastes and colors, but the Koreans tried to make the sedan as attractive as possible, without going beyond the classic business style. But to keep the Optima from looking boring, the front end has been spiced up with a good helping of sports design, from the front, a monolithic-looking composition of a shiny black false radiator grille, with complex-shaped headlights on the sides, attracts attention. The bumper is replete with many air intakes, emphasizing the good dynamic qualities of the car.
The four-door looks especially good from the side. A certain compromise and mixture of sedan-crossover styles is clearly visible.
2. Car owners usually list the model's good dynamics, spacious interior (three adults can fit in the back without much discomfort) and a fairly spacious trunk as advantages. The manufacturer took care of the acoustic comfort of passengers. This is a rarity for the “Koreans” represented on our market.
Also on the forums, owners note rich equipment and the availability of a variety of options, especially in the GT model. Many say that in terms of price and wealth extra. Optima has no competitors on the market in its class. And they are right.
3. Price. As we have already said, a car in its simplest configuration costs about 1.2 million rubles, maximum completeness will cost 1.7 million rubles. On the one hand, this is a lot of money, on the other hand, you can’t buy a car so inexpensively in its class. Therefore, here Kia are just great.
4. And finally, one more plus, which is this moment Toyota does not offer it in Russia. Version with sports body kit. This is GT. The maximum cost of this configuration is 1,879,900 rubles. Red calipers, 2.0-liter engine produces 245 hp. s., acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds.
This clearly hints at Kia's targeting of younger buyers. The Camry has the “Executive Safety” package, it also drives (7.7 seconds to 100 km/h), it has only 4 liters. With. more power- 249 l. s., but it costs 500,000 more and is clearly more suitable for a sensible businessman rather than an impulsive “street racer”.
Minuses
1. The main disadvantage of the model, in our opinion, is that it is not new. It was developed in 2013 and began production two years later. It cannot compete in this area with the new Camry, and even more so with the trendsetter - the Honda Accord.
Three years ago the appearance was extremely interesting, now other fashion trends are in vogue. It is quite suitable for inexperienced car enthusiasts, but if you are looking for something more, you will have to skip this model.
2. Mostly, car enthusiasts complain about the mundane shortcomings of the sedan. If you make an impromptu Top, you will get the following list:
Headlights - low beam is dim, auto-adjustment of headlights is absent as a class;
The quality of the leather in the interior is unsatisfactory (wears out quickly). The problem was fixed on models before 2017;
When switching, it dulls;
The suspension is harsh. Don't expect comfort on Russian potholes. However, it cannot be called very tough either.
3. As some owners on forums describe the problem, "Lean car". That is, it does not evoke strong emotions during operation. Saying what it could be a clear disadvantage, we still won’t, but it’s worth noting this fact.
Price in Russia: from 1,169,900 rubles behind regular Kia Optima up to 1,879,900 rubles for the GT version.
Honda Accord
Masha is good, but not ours. This is to talk about this model in a nutshell. It is not sold on the Russian market. Alas! But it can still be compared with the two previously described car models. And even necessary.
It was presented in the summer of 2017. Sales of the model in the USA started in the fall of 2017. The model has international roots: it is assembled in the USA, Japan, Thailand and China.
In the US market it is one of the best-selling models along with the Toyota Camry, with whom it mainly competes. Annual sales exceed 300 thousand copies. What is the secret of her popularity?
Pros of the Accord
1. Design bordering on premium. Honda knows how to do beautiful cars, and the Accord is no exception. At least remember popular models seventh generation, which flooded the Russian market from 2002 to 2007. Sporty look, smart shape. Until now, the model does not look outdated, although since its release latest version 11 years have passed. The eighth generation followed in the footsteps of its ancestor - everything is the same, only better.
The new generation of Accord has absorbed even more experience and understanding of what car enthusiasts need. Aggression mixed with sophistication. This sedan stands out against its closest competitor, the Camry, leaving the Kia Optima out of the running.
2. Technical excellence. In addition to a wide range of safety systems, the model is equipped with adaptive cruise control, ventilated front wheels with six adjustments, head-up display six inches on the windshield, wireless Charger, 4G LTE hotspot and a large number of other functions that are installed on more expensive premium models of German, Japanese and American manufacturers, like a collision avoidance system ( automatic braking), lane departure warning, road departure mitigation systems and traffic sign recognition technology.
Models entry level will be equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 192 hp. With. (143 kW) and 260 Nm of torque. It can be combined with a six-speed manual or CVT transmission.
Finding itself in the domestic car market in 2012, korean car Contrary to all expectations, it turned out to be completely unclaimed. As if the car was quite elegant and modern, but for some reason it didn’t find its fans. Regarding this, a more successful contender seems to be the Toyota Camry, since the car is very well known in our country, for this we need to find out which model is still preferable.
The car looks quite respectable from the outside - it looks sporty, colorful and at the same time aggressive. From the outside, the car looks very modern and more expensive compared to its rival. In reality, everything is the opposite; the opponent belongs to the category E, while Optima – to D.
Actually sporty look Korean, without missing 3-barrel fog lights with LEDs, makes it similar to its previously produced rival. Externally, the sedans are really similar, especially in the front part: slanted lights combined with a radiator grille, triangles of side and trapezoidal air intakes, progressive aerodynamic tides at the corners of the bumpers. But the younger Korean still looks more modern and elegant; this is not an improved, but almost a completely new brand.
The interior of the KIA Optima is made with high quality, the assembly and fitting of all the parts is decent. Soft inserts are successfully combined with hard plastic panels. A black background with separated silver parts and subtleties is key. The emphasis is on the black lacquered fillings on the central tunnel, around air conditioning system and below the steering wheel rim. The main console in the model is turned towards the driver, this is quite comfortable and somewhat reminiscent of the solutions in the flanking BMW.
The key component of the console is considered multimedia center display in a decorative alcove. A separate hazard warning button separates the second tier of buttons for controlling the climate control, which has convenient controllers. The seats are a bit hard, but not much.
In contrast to the previous version, the updated brand is now much simpler in appearance. The car has acquired more serious features. Now there are no extra stripes, trendy bumpers, aggressive lights and other “show off” inherent in to the previous generation. The designers decided to completely adapt the car for already accomplished middle-aged people. The bloated body of the previous Camry is now somewhat more severe and, in the end, has lost the appearance of a sports class sedan.
The modernization did not really transform the overall appearance of the car. Now stands out significantly improved head lighting technology And false radiator grille. Strict features made the front more aggressive. At the bottom, chrome touches are successfully emphasized; they add design to the foglights.
Inside the new product, high-quality products are used for the most part. There are soft features in the upper sections of the dashboard, and natural hard plastic parts for individual panels. As for the layout, there are no comments. The main tone is black. Seat finishing materials excellent quality, the firmness of the padding is medium, the emphasis is on comfort. There is full side support, but the profile of the seats does not secure both the back and sides tightly enough.
The main console is made strictly, the emphasis is on 2 large round stabilizers on top of the multimedia unit and an impressive display. Management's implementation of the climate inside is done quite simply. Multifunctional steering wheel with remote controls and buttons on the spokes horizontally. The instrument panel is equipped with a large on-board computer monitor between the speedometer and tachometer.
What common
These factors can be considered similar for machines: functional equipment, luggage compartment, throughput, elegance of the interior, and also similar dimensions. The suspension and transmission are also similar. In other respects, of course, the cars differ.
Comparisons and differences
If we analyze the driving characteristics, then the Korean is considered not quite right with the buyer. The large and elegant Kia Optima with a sporty appearance turned out to be suitable only for comfortable and completely leisurely driving around the city, and only on a good road. There are some complaints about sound insulation, both of the engine and the wheel arches, floor and other things. Here the rating is 3 with a “+”, nothing more. As for the Japanese, he reveals his full potential. The car's handling is average, and for a massive sedan, the excellent softness of the chassis ranks first in the list of advantages and exceeds many shortcomings.
Dimensions:
- Length KIA Optima – 4 m 84.5 cm4 m 85 cm.
- Width KIA Optima – 1 m 83 cm4 m5 cm.
- Height - 1 m 45.5 cm against - 1 m 48 cm.
- Clearance – 5 cm against 16 cm.
- Wheelbase - 2 m 80.5 cm against - 2 m 77.5 cm.
What's better
Both candidates have been on the domestic car market for several years, both have acquired their customers and supporters over the years, and both of these cars have something to compare with each other. The Japanese better meets the requirements of adults, since it has a less flashy design and a more modest interior decoration. The Korean is more aimed at the younger generation and wants to interest himself in every way.
The practicality and popularity of a Japanese car, the Korean model can match the generous functional equipment of a five-year-old warranty period, and the power of Toyota Camry, KIA Optima can be matched by a more economical new turbocharged engine.
But car maintenance says that maintaining a Korean will be cheaper when compared with a Japanese brand. Price category spare parts for extraordinary corrections only confirms this. The Optima is not very inferior in quality and driving characteristics to its contender and costs slightly less.
On Russian market simply “tired.” Of course, the model underwent its last restyling more than two years ago. During this time, it developed characteristic sores, its already not very expressive appearance became outdated, and in terms of optional features, the car was already time for improvements. The same cannot be said about the ambitious “Korean” - everything is spot on here. At least for now.
On the other hand, why should the Japanese be afraid if last year in Russia they sold Toyota Camry than KIA sold its Optima: 30,136 versus 3,096 cars. Whatever the car from the Land of the Rising Sun, it is quite difficult to knock it off the pedestal, and in general, in our opinion, you need to defend your right to leadership in any situation. However, looking ahead, I’ll say: this time the Toyota team not only won’t win the battle, but also how to avoid losing the palm altogether - the Koreans have prepared thoroughly and are stubbornly going for the queens!
How much is one worth? appearance the new “Optima” is aggressive, fashionable, shocking. Especially, which was our test. Bold bumpers, elegant wheels, menacing pipes exhaust system, bright red wheel calipers are quite unusual for a business sedan, and especially a Korean one. The main thing is that it is not clumsy or provocative - after all, Peter Schreier does not receive his salary in vain.
What's inside? It is impossible not to notice that the design of the dashboard resembles Bavarian BMW and Ingolshdat Audi, and we are not talking about explicit copyright - the Koreans were quite competently able to adapt German ideas to suit own style. Don’t find fault with the ergonomics either—you can interact with the controls with your eyes closed. In general, a test!
And Toyota never even dreamed of something like this. Judge for yourself - all-round visibility, including a top view, is provided by four video cameras; available for smartphone wireless charger; Navigation can plot the shortest path to your destination, taking into account traffic jams. Not to mention the heating of everything and everyone, the Harman/Kardon speaker system with sound worthy of a concert hall, and the ability to open the trunk hands-free. , well done: just a little more, and the Toyota guys won’t be able to keep up!
It’s clear that perfect handling is not about Koreans. But also ! If recent problems with the accuracy of reaction to exercises with the steering wheel, then in the case of the KIA the steering wheel is simply too light. However, you get used to it quite quickly.
The suspension is not bad, but not fully balanced - the Optima is reluctant to take sharp turns, and when maneuvering it snaps with sway. But the car does not lose its trajectory, as sometimes happens with a Camry in aggressive turns (read more about the test drive of the Japanese sedan). As for the bumps, the Optima absorbs them in Toyota style without much discomfort.
The turbo engine with 245 “horses” is a bullet, especially in Sport mode. When starting from KIA seats, grinding the asphalt with tires and pressing riders into seats made of perforated leather, jumps forward like a tiger on the hunt. The hysterical roar of the engine? No guys! The noise insulation in the new Optima is excellent - the Koreans have given it Special attention. The six-speed automatic transmission responds to the driver’s requests in a timely manner, although sometimes it responds with unpleasant jerks during sharp acceleration.
