KIA Optima Platinum

Cover the badges on the KIA Optima and you could be looking at one of any number of high end luxury cars.
Such is the style of the Optima it has in fact been mistaken in consumer clinics, for among other things,a Lexus, BMW and even a Jaguar . (I think it does look like an XF Jag from certain angles.)
KIA is quickly forging a reputation in all its model segments for stylish, affordable and even desirable cars. That's not surprising, seeing the man who designs the latest KIAs used to do the same job at Audi.
The KIA Optima Platinum is a much underrated car. It's long wheelbase endows it with plenty of legroom in the cabin, and it's just as swish inside as it is stunning to look at outside, with a genuine, quality feel about it.

An incredibly modest 40K buys you among other things, one of the best equipped cars in its class.
You get heated and ventilated front seats, eight way power driver's seat and four way for the front passenger. Two position seat memory for the front pews, a full length glass roof with opening front section, an electric parking brake with hill hold feature, satellite navigation, vents for rear seat passengers, auto lights and wipers with headlight washers, keyless entry and start, "cross traffic alert" if someone drives behind you as you reverse, rear view camera, blind spot indicators in the wing mirrors, illuminated KIA scuff plates on the door sills, xenon headlights, a safety light in the front door's trailing edges, daytime running lights and eight lens fog lights  to name but a few.
       Oh and there's also the option of "Lane Keep Assist" that keeps the car tracking straight if your attention wanders. Hey,hang on! That's the same feature as in the 96K Mercedes E class coupe I tested last week. To find that technology in a car at this price point is remarkable.

The Optima Platinum has a very ergonomic dashboard layout, slightly angled towards the driver, with easy to use and see controls, including dual zone climate control and a large 7 inch information screen There are only six speakers in the Optima but they are enough to produce decent sound quality. Approaching the car day or night, the folded wing mirrors unfold and all the interior lights switch on. The boot is cavernous and houses a full sized spare wheel. The KIA Optima's owner's manual is one of the most comprehensive I have ever seen. It's the thickness of a good sized phonebook, and includes anything and everything you could ever possibly want to know about the car. It comes wrapped in a classy,quality binder.

    On the road, the Optima Platinum is a revelation. The ride comfort is extraordinary, much better than some premium/luxury cars I've tested. Smooth, supple and able to absorb just about all but the largest bumps with ease. And it does it quietly.The silence in the cabin on the move is equalled only by cars twice its price. Leather seats add to the Optima's upmarket feel and are nice to sit in.. there's even electric lumbar adjustment.

The 2.4 litre four cylinder engine  has plenty of punch...148 kw and 250 nm get you down the road rapidly when accelerating hard. The only quibble I have is that once nearing the 6,300 redline it gets slightly noisy. Driving normally, the engine is unobtrusive.
City cycle fuel consumption is 11 litres per 100 kilometres, giving a range from its 70 litre tank, of over 600 kilometres. Highway cycle is 6 litres per 100 ks..a range of almost 1200 kilometres. Impressive.
Handling too is a big surprise.. KIA has tuned the big Optima's suspension just right. Entry and exit in tight bends are taken without drama, or hardly any body roll. In fact it almost encourages spirited driving. The Optima has a six speed automatic gearbox, with steering wheel paddles for manual shifting when needed.

I would strongly recommend that anyone contemplating buying a Ford Mondeo, Mazda 6, Honda Accord, or Toyota Camry, test drive the KIA Optima Platinum as well, before signing on the dotted line.
In many areas it outshines them all, and is one of the very few cars I would actually consider owning. A five year warranty is icing on the cake.
It's one heck of a lot of quality car for the money.
Peter Sellen

Mercedes Benz E 250 Coupe AMG

There's no question that Mercedes Benz knows how to make good looking cars.
The E Class coupe is a shining example.. It's a real headturner with a "wow" factor in spades, especially this AMG optioned version. A swooping roof turret, aggressive stance with air scoops aplenty up front, 19 inch alloys wrapped in 35 and 30 series tyres, mean you won't ever go unnoticed.

 

 The turbocharged 2 litre four pot is an amazing powerplant.

If you didn't know better you'd think there was a much larger engine lurking under the bonnet.155kw and a mighty 350 nm throws you down the road in a zero to 100 kph time of around seven seconds.

Not bad considering the Coupe weighs just over 1600 kilograms.

It's the smooth unfussed way it delivers that performance that impresses. On the highway there's nary a whisper from wind or road....prod the throttle and the E250 leaps forward in a surge of silent power. Cornering is extremely precise, the car sits flat and composed. Suspension is adjustable from comfort to sport. In Comfort the ride can be a bit floaty at times, but not annoyingly so. Sport stiffens up everything, while retaining good ride comfort.  

To distinguish this AMG model from lesser variants, Mercedes has fitted bright red seatbelts, with seat stitching to match. And to avoid awkward reaching backwards for the front occupant's seat belts, when the car is started, an arm extends forward, proffering the belt to you. Once buckled up, the belts automatically tighten across your chest for optimum tension.A great convenience feature!
Inside the cabin, the seats are firm as in most German cars, but very supportive and well bolstered at the sides,however heated seats are an option.

Entry to the rear seats is a tad awkward, especially for taller passengers, even though the doors open wide and the front seats slide forward electronically out of the way. Once in the back, the seats are fine, but  my head hit the low roofline. Rear seat passengers won't suffer claustrophobia from fixed window glass. All four windows retract completely.
The Coupe has a 12 speaker Harmon- Kardon premium sound system with DAB digital radio.. As mentioned elsewhere in this blog,on other Mercs and BMWs fitted with similar systems, the quality and clarity is astonishing. A console " mouse" operates all the functions on the large central dashboard screen.

Forward visibility however is restricted somewhat, by the large 30x18 centimetre black housing at the top of the windscreen, containing various radar sensors. I found it quite intrusive. Owners would get most likely get used to it, but it could remain as an irritant, as the windscreen is quite shallow. 

The E Class Coupe is fitted with an extraordinary array of safety features, including Active Lane Keeping and Steering Assist. If you let go of the steering wheel, the car's sensors prevent it from drifting out of the lane. Even when cornering, you can feel the servos nudging the wheel to follow the curve.Ultimately the car will flash a display with two bright red hands indicating you take control again.( see E class sedan test for more details.)
Distronic cruise keeps the car a selected distance from the car in front, even slowing down to a complete stop unaided by driver brake input. Blind Spot Assist activates warning triangles in the wing mirrors if a car is coming up alongside. 

Headlights are superb on high or low beam and have an auto high beam mode, that selects the brighter long distance lamps for you when travelling on poorly lit roads.
If you aren't much good at parallel parking,the Coupe will park itself and also automatically drive you out of your parking spot as well! (see E Class sedan test.)
Mercedes persists with an anachronistic foot operated park brake, with a hand release under the dashboard. It's not intuitive and quite fiddly, especially when unobtrusive and effective electronic parking brake systems are fitted to numerous cheaper cars.
The right hand steering wheel wand selects gears.One flick up for reverse and one down for Drive. Park is activated by a button on the wand's end. I found it easy to use and required just a tap of a finger to operate, as it's right next to where your hand rests on the wheel.
Steering wheel paddles allow for semi- manual changes in the seven speed gearbox.The left hand wand handles both wipers and indicators.

The test car also came with a panoramic glass sliding sunroof. When open at highway speeds ,an efficient mesh pop up screen eliminates almost all wind noise and buffeting.
So... if you have a spare 96K floating around and want to be seen in an elegant luxury coupe, your search could end right here.
Peter Sellen

Toyota Corolla ZR sedan

The Toyota Corolla is one of the automotive world's biggest success stories. More than 40 million have been sold, since it first arrived in 1966... more even, than the iconic VW Beetle. There are people who won't buy anything else, such is its reputation.
So how does the 11th generation Corolla shape up?
To begin with, its shape is pretty classy. Smart looking lines with styling accents in all the right places make the new Corolla  stand out from run of the mill offerings.
There's plenty of room inside for heads and legs, as Corolla marches onwards into almost the next segment in size.
I liked the neat dashboard with it's central screen surrounded by faux carbon fibre trim.
The instruments are lit in a distinctive electric blue, similar to those on VWs of not long ago.

The leather faced seats on this ZR model are firm, but that's fine, especially on longer trips.. when you need more support. The driver's seat is power operated and has lumbar adjustment as well.
Big grab handles on the front doors were welcome, there's no groping around looking for them when closing the doors.
The ZR has the convenience of keyless entry and start.
The upspec model also includes auto dimming rear vision mirror, auto wipers and lights and electrically folding wing mirrors. However, unlike on most of today's cars, there is no three (or four) click lane change mode on the indicator wand. You have to either hold it for the required time, or lock the wand into constant blink mode. An unusual omission. 
There's an overall quality feel in the cabin that wasn't there before. The sound system won't disappoint.
I liked the feel of the chunky leather bound steering wheel, adjustable for both reach and rake. Steering effort is light but not twitchy.. the Corolla goes just where you point it. It's well calibrated.
Ride comfort is okay, if a little on the firm side but it's not unacceptable.
On most surfaces you won't be annoyed by too many bumps. However on rougher tarmac it can get a little unsettled.
The Corolla handles surprisingly well through bends, even encouraging you to push on a bit harder than you thought it capable of. Steering wheel paddles for the CVT box enable very quick shifts, or you can use the console lever. The CV transmission is quieter than others I have tested, and like them all, you can lock in any of the six pre programmed ratios for steep descents etc.
The 1,8 litre four is quite punchy, developing 103 kw and 171 nm...average fuel consumption during my week with the car was just over 7 litres per 100 kilometres.
At highway speeds there's very little wind or tyre noise, but on the old coarse chip surfaces that abound in Australia you will hear some tyre noise intrusion. The boot is large and houses a full sized spare wheel.

A couple of minor niggles emerged.Selecting reverse starts a faint but persistent warning beep inside the cabin. Usually these things are audible outside a vehicle to warn pedestrians that the car is moving backwards.
I actually know when I am reversing and don't really need an irritating audible reminder to tell me the bleeding obvious. Accompanying the interior beeper is an effective reversing camera and external warning sensors.
As with many imports, lighting can be a hit or miss affair.
The Corolla's xenon low beams are nice and bright as you'd expect, but they cut off far too short, just a few metres in front of the car. High beams are pretty awful, a dull yellow glow that doesn't penetrate at all well.
Cars sold in Australia with its wide open spaces, need to have the globe specification reversed. Bright xenons for high beam and the inferior halogens for low beam urban conditions.
 

In May 2014, Corolla outsold its nearest rival Mazda 3, by about 600 units.
So the battle continues. This ZR model sells for around 31k.
Corolla, for now,the preferred choice for thousands of Australians in the small car segment.
The new model has just made making that decision even easier.
Peter Sellen      

KIA SOUL

The KIA SOUL has been around for about six years now and while it hasn't set the world on fire in sales, it is still a very practical option for someone looking for a small hatch/suv.
Its upright boxy lines have been refined in the latest version and it's quite pleasing to the eye, if a little quirky for some. It's actually a lot bigger than you'd expect.
When first released there were numerous decorative decal options and interior trim tweaks intended for the younger buyer. That's gone now, with KIA targeting older drivers who will appreciate the lower hip level access.

There was also a diesel version, but that's also gone.. the two litre four cylinder petrol motor becoming the only motive force.

Incredibly (considering its price) and most welcome,the SOUL has not one, but two gas struts supporting the bonnet, shaming many more expensive makes that still use an old "el cheapo" manual support rod.
Hooray for common sense.

The front wheel drive only,SOUL is a much underrated vehicle. It's roomy, well built, quiet and peppy. It's built on the Cerato platform, and that's a good thing. (see the KIA Cerato review elsewhere in this blog.)
The SOUL rides smoothly over most road imperfections and handles corners with an eagerness that belies its upright shape. 
Around town  the SOUL is eerily quiet, and that refinement is also evident at highway speeds.There's no wind whistle from the outside mirrors nor any intrusive tyre roar. KIA has done a great job reducing NVH in the SOUL. 

Quality, soft touch surfaces in the cabin and aesthetically pleasing dashboard layout are worlds away from the cheap and cheerful perception some might have about the KIA range.
Standard kit includes a reversing camera, cruise, Bluetooth connection, adjustable steering feel and a reasonably good sound system... but there's no sat nav option, nor keyless option..
The central touch screen for audio and camera is quite small, but effective nonetheless.
The engine produces 113 kw and 191 nm torque, and that's good for a 0 to 100 k sprint in about 10 seconds. More than enough to keep pace with everyone else. Fuel economy is also good.. averaging around 8 litres per 100 kilometres.
This car had the six speed automatic gearbox, and it delivered smooth and positive shifts
There are no steering wheel paddles.. manual selection is made with the console lever.
The headlights are a bit dim for my liking. They'll get you by, but could be brighter.
At the rear however, the tail lights are gigantic.

No one will miss spotting you at night when approaching from behind.
Storage spaces abound in the doors of the SOUL, as well as a large and useful glovebox.
The luggage area is also large, and beneath the floor is a divider for loose odds and ends.
Visibility is excellent thanks to the large glasshouse and the SOUL's upright stance.The doors shut with a quality thunk.
There are power windows all round, but the only auto of the four, is the "down" button for the driver.
After driving the SOUL for a week it sort of grew on me and I came to appreciate its slight quirkiness and practicality. Try one for yourself.. I think you will begin to feel the same. The KIA SOUL auto sells for around 25K.
If you want something a bit different from the run of the mill, the SOUL could become your soulmate.
Peter Sellen

Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire

Those of you who are regular visitors to this blog will have noticed that comfort is one of my main priorities when assessing the merits of the cars on test.
Some are just plain awful...you'd wonder if some buyers have bothered to try anything else in a particular segment before slapping down their hard earned cash..
So I am pleased to report that ever since I tried the first Mitsubishi Outlander some years ago now, I was impressed at how well it absorbed bumps and rotten road surfaces.
The latest version remains true to the original.
The Outlander Aspire is one of the best in its medium SUV segment. Compliant suspension, bordering on supple, this is one SUV that I would endorse for long trips both on an off road.
While doing so ,you'll also be impressed with the silence in the cabin. No tyre or wind roar disturbs the interior ambience, from urban to highway speeds.
The 2.4 litre engine is also a smooth operator, with 125 kw and 360 nm of torque, lugging a full load is an effortless exercise.

This Aspire model has a CV (constant velocity) automatic transmission which I found very user friendly. It still has the usual rev flare on full throttle that all CVT gearboxes have (sounding a bit like a slipping clutch,)  but the car quickly catches up with the revs when speed increases. It's one of the better CVTs I have driven, being less intrusive than most. Steering wheel paddles lock the transmission into six positions if you want to change gear yourself. You can also lock the transmission into All Wheel Drive at the touch of a button on the console or leave it to its own devices in Auto.
Through bends, the Aspire exhibits little body roll and feedback through the electric steering is very good.

The Aspire is a true seven seater, with the rearmost pews rising easily from the cargo bay floor.
As with most multi seat vehicles only short adults or children will want to sit there.
Access to the third row seats is good, with the middle row sliding forward and tilting out of the way.
The rear tailgate door is power operated... handy when you are juggling parcels. A touch of a button raises and lowers the door. Keyless entry and start are standard on the Aspire.

The cabin is a nice pace to be. Leather faced seats and a chunky leather bound steering wheel set the right tone. The seats are comfortable and well bolstered, holding you in place well through corners. The front pair are heated. However the switches to operated the bum warmers are difficult to reach, sitting below and hidden by the (non sliding ) central console cover.

You have to contort your hand to reach them. I wound up using my thumb. It's not at all ergonomic. But that's a minor quibble.
Head and leg room is fine both front and rear and visibility rearwards is aided by a wide angle reversing camera.
There are plenty of storage spaces in doors and console, and there's a standard electric sunroof. Auto wipers and lights plus bluetooth connectivity, are among the many standard features.

The "piano black" finish to the central dashboard doesn't look out of place and adds a touch of class to the display. I found the operation of the sound system/satnav/ info screen a bit fiddly, but ownership would make that task easier in time. The sound system is good quality, delivered through six speakers.
The Aspire also has active cruise control, with a "Forward Collision Monitor"...which will slow the car down or even stop itself if you travel too close to the car in front. The distance is adjustable.

Headlight brightness is reasonably good..so no complaints there.
However the bonnet is quite heavy and has a manual support rod.
A gas strut or two would be useful here. For some it might be a struggle to lift.
Many new cars try to ingratiate and bond themselves with their drivers by flashing welcoming messages on the dashboard. "Hello" and "Goodbye" get a run on several.
The Aspire doesn't greet you, but flashes a cheery " See You" when leaving the vehicle.

The Mitsubishi Outlander sits fifth in the segment according to the latest sales figures,with just over 10 % market share. It's a good all round SUV that I think deserves more attention from buyers in the showrooms. The Aspire CVT 7 seater sells for just under 44K.
Good looking, quiet, economical, practical and comfortable.
You can't ask for much more than that.
Peter Sellen