Kia Optima review (14/11/2012)

KIA has made tremendous strides in Ireland, and in every developed market, in the last five years or so. It has transformed itself: it was a moderately interesting and cost-effective alternative to the established European and Japanese brands.

Perhaps only Skoda has had as much impact as Kia and its Korean sister company, Hyundai, in that period, but the aggressive way the Koreans have attacked the European market, in each of the vital segments, has been as impressive as it has been successful.

For Kia, cars such as the Picanto, the Rio, the Cee’d, the Sportage, the Venga and the Soul have redefined the brand as a credible — and volume — seller among the buying public. And now, with the introduction of the Optima in the crucial family car/repmobile segment, Kia is targeting one of the most important markets.