Kia Optima 2 Tech road test

Kia has decided to enter the company car battle with its Optima Tech 2 - but it’s not taking the likes of Vauxhall and Ford head on.

The Korean brand wants to sell little more than 1,600 Optimas a year, which is chicken feed when compared to the main rivals, but the fact it now has a stylish, family four-door in its line-up gives it credibility.

Make no mistake, this is a car aimed squarely at company car drivers. Around 80% of Optimas sold in the UK will go to fleets. There’s just one engine - a frugal 1.7-litre diesel engine – and that sends out a clear message: this is a realistic alternative for those sick of Ford Mondeos and Vauxhall Insignias.

It's not unreasonable to expect that Ford and Vauxhall diehards might choose to defect to the Optima because, if nothing else, it looks good. It’s not got the problems of ubiquity that the others have: the fresh face on the block could well be an attractive option.

To drive, it’s no great shakes – the 134bhp 1.7-litre diesel engine delivers a reasonable 325Nm of pulling power between 2,000 and 2,500rpm and that means it pulls away fairly rapidly from a standstill but it’s it not particularly swift once you get up to speed. It’ll cruise happily at motorway speeds, but the firm suspension means the ride can get unsettled on poorly surfaced roads. If driving pleasure is a priority the 2.0-litre Mondeo and the 2.0-litre Skoda Superb are better options.

Performance figures tell a fairly ordinary story. With the six-speed manual gearbox, it will accelerate from 0-60mph in 10.2 seconds and go on to a top speed of 125mph. The heavier six-speed automatic version will get to 60mph from a standstill in 11.5 seconds, and then go up to 122mph. It isn’t as quick as the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia or Skoda Superb 2.0-litre diesels but it’ll outrun the Mazda6 2.0-litre diesel.

In the corners it’s pretty assured, offering plenty of front-end grip and sharp turn-in. It’s devoid of steering feel but it is nicely weighted. Braking is reassuringly strong and the manual gearbox is smooth and free of notchiness. Body roll has been nicely contained but it can feel a little nose-heavy when negotiating tight corners at speed.

The 2 Tech is the model specifically aimed at company car drivers. It includes sat nav, 17-inch alloys, cornering lights, front and rear foglights, electrically adjustable heated rear-view mirrors, air-con, steering wheel-mounted controls, front electric windows, a six-speaker sound system with USB and MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition and audio streaming, half-leather upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, extra interior detailing, dual-zone climate control, an automatic defogging system, all-round electric windows, reversing sensors and camera and a 12-speaker audio system.

The six-speed manual emits 128g/km of CO2, putting it in the 18% Benefit-in-Kind company car tax band. The auto emits 158g/km which means it’s in the 24% band. If we assume a P11d value of £21,045 for the manual and £22,380 for the auto, that means company car tax will be payable on the 40% pay scale at £126 and £179 per month respectively.

Also consider:

Mazda6

Based on the Ford Mondeo, the Mazda6 has long been the 'left-field' choice for those not wanting to tow the traditional company car party line.

Honda Accord

The Accord is a refined car that's easy to drive and boasts a host of high-tech safety features.

Toyota Avensis

The subject of a recent facelift, the Avensis promises excellent safety features, a smooth and refined set of engines and an impressive list of equipment.