Friday, September 11, 2015
DRIVE NOW
ay’sdrive 20 15 Kia
FordOptima
B01
SPECIAL SECTION courtesy of the SURREY NOW Your journey starts here.
Your journey starts here.
Focus ST
A Practical Family Sedan That Doesn’t Look Like One
It’s no wallflower, shouting its intentions to the world
the key fob, a button on the drivers door, and a release above the licence plate.
Aiding the turbo’s surprising economy is the fact that Kia only recommends regular unleaded gasoline, saving the cost of high octane fuel. One drawback is that there is some noticeable turbo lag under hard acceleration.
BY DAVID CHAO
Most models run the next-generation Kia tends to be often ignored in the marketplace, UVO eServices infotainment system. simply because people don’t talk about this brand This system has features to keep the often. However, every model in its lineup is worth owner informed about the vehicle, consideration in its respective market segment whether they are behind the wheel thanks to the fact that their products have been A separate Optima Hybrid is also or remotely via a smartphone. suspension andAlso, brake-based updated continuously.a little on the small side for some available. This uses a 2.4-litre new parentaltorque controls are @brendan_mcaleer Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder included as Geo Fencing, duties, and strapping in a rear car vectoring give the STsuch a chance to really On that note, if you need a practical family sedan creating 159 hp. That is boosted Driving Score, Speed Alerts and that has amazing styling, Kia Optima deserves as the rear seatthegets a bit onerous bite into the corner and then scrabble 46 hp by an electric motor to Curfew Alerts. a thorough examination. parcel shelf is tricky to remove. out the other side. The more sized and practical improve both efficiency and off-theThe Kia Optima has the styling that turns heads, but it has aggressive you are, the happier it Features ing around children line acceleration. Apart fromofthat, it’s a regular more than just good looks. It boasts a lineup efficient Starting prices range gets – and the bigger thefrom tire$24,795 bill. roceries. littleand hatch, and that means Mated to both the base and hybrid and powerful engines, a comfortable premium-looking to $35,895 as the Optima is available in motors is a six-speed automatic with interior – all for a non-premiumfolding price. five trim The Optima Hybrid comes seats for a hockey Sportmatic clutchless manual shifting. The That’s notlevels. all. Most hot hatchbacks with two trim choices and starts at either practice, orinroom enough to turbo still uses a six-speed auto, but the gear ratios display nice safe understeer if To be fair, there are many worthy competitors the midsize $30,095 or $33,695. ? sedan segment. To highlight a few, rivals include the Ford pick up three friends from the you push them a bit hard. Ford, are closer and it adds steering wheel mounted paddle Fusion, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Standard equipment includes heated front seats, power shifters. airport. Let whom ever is your on the other hand, has engineered an over boosted driver seat, power windows and locks, steering wheel Significantly refreshed last year, the 2015 Optima receives Regardless of which powerplant you choose, the Optima best friend ride up front. in lift-off oversteer into their little g brakes, punchy mounted controls, automatic headlights, cooling glove subtle interior updates and upgraded tech. provides smooth and quiet driving. The suspension is hooligan. like a disgruntled box, and keyless entry.Pop off the accelerator The front Recaros for both driver calibrated more for comfort and highway cruising than sharply mid-corner, and the lete Design with seats that Additional features, available as options or onback higherend trims, hard cornering. The steering is light and doesn’t give and passenger are some of the The Kia Optima shares its architecture with the Hyundai include air-cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated comes around like its on casters. This Mustangs. enough feedback for a spirited drive. In general, the driving seats ever fitted to a Sonata, though the Optima has most uniqueaggressive styling inside and steering wheel, smart remote start, push button character is uninspiring but it feels predicable and sensible behaviour feelskey, tamed compared to theignition, out. The exterior are cleanercar. and more mainstream The side-bolstering is acts overseas, but lines of the Optima fully automatic dual zone climate control, auto dimming nevertheless. first editions of the ST, but is still present and compared to the Sonata. huge, to the point that some everyday users rearview mirror, LED daytime running lights, rain sensing ttingcrisp used to these. Unlike some of its rivals, the Optima is only available in front- still something you won’t find elsewhere. windshield, and a rearview camera. The“Mustang,” Optima’s cross-hatch front grille andactually long sweptback might find it a tad uncomfortable. If you think wheel drive. However, those concerned about winter driving headlights give it the impression of a “moving vehicle” even Fuel efficiency numbers (L/100km) for theexperience 2.4-litre engine are hit the twisty bits, though, they’re wonderful, you which includes Overall, and more thrilling driving can purchase the LX ATkeeping Winter Edition, a set it’s a faster usable hatchback is when it’s not. A strong shoulder line flows smoothly into the 10.2 city and 6.9 highway, and the Turbo returns 11.7 city and of winter tires. firmly strapped in place. than you get from the more buttoned-down Germanic wraparound tail lamps and tie the look of the whole vehicle 7.7 highway. The Optima Hybrid LX is rated at 6.6 city and 5.9 competition. Fly underwhile thethe radar in the latter, or6.1 byhighway. the seat together. The blacked out roof works well with all colour highway, EX model is 6.7 city and Environment MyFord Touch continues to improve, but can still be cus RS currently combinations and hides the available panoramic sunroof. of your The cabin of the Optima is quite welcoming - especially in thepants in this thing: it’s your choice. considered to be the Achilles’upper-end heel oftrim thelevels Focus. Screen ng power output Thumbs Up - and would not look out of place in a A similar approach was taken inside the cabin as it is very fonts are small, and a bit of a reach while on the move. Despite the exterior styling being a few years old, the Kia at the regular premium automobile. Some upscale features include heated driver focused and cleanly laid out. While some of the Optima still looks fresh and new. All three engine choices are and cooled front seats, a massive dual-panel moonroof, and a However, voice commands work far better than on the doesmaterials it workinas an the base model are not up to the same quality as The optional go-faster stripes from Ford add a hundred powerful and efficient. activated navigation curve and infotainment system. its rivals, it does come with somesystem’s premium standard features original rollout, andvoice while the learning is a horsepower each - proven fact. like heated side mirrors and Bluetooth phonethe connectivity. The front are very comfortable and are well bolstered. bit steep, system works well withseats familiarity. Thumbs Down All but the base model come with leather seats, which can bethat, the If you the added of all-wheel drive, with you will Besides STwant is very wellsecurity equipped standard, Performance finished in a classy quilted look. need to look elsewhere. Also, if and you are looking for something d news the ST the only real options being navigation a package Mostfor Optima models will have a 2.4-litre four-cylinder that has a great driving character, this car may not be the Inthe the rear seats, passengers will find plenty of legroom. under recently the hood. This motor is rated at a respectable hp hood is Under the Focus’192 new familiar 2.0L he Focus containing dual-zone answer. climate control and a 10-speaker However, due to the Optima’s sharply raked roofline, taller and 181 lb-ft of torque. turbocharged engine, punching out 252hp and 270lb-ft ew front end and audio upgrade. The latter is as punchy as the ST’s people will find headroom to be lacking. The Bottom Line trunk space with a rearThose seeking more performance opt for aMuch 2.0-litre twin- than what’s offered from rivals at ofcan torque. more hts now include turbocharged engine, but subtracts There is also plenty of cargo capacity for all your luggage or The 2015 Kia Optima offers all the practical elements needed scroll turbocharged four-cylinder. Producing 274 hp and 269 VW or Honda, the ST’s straight-line performance strong, andlb-ft a power bulge sporting equipment. All 437islitres of trunk space ismounted also easy subwoofer. in a family sedan, while still providing classy looks and of torque, this engine is capable of delivering a thrilling punctuated by more than a hint of torque steer to access with three waysscrabble. to open the trunk lid – a button on premium features. 0-100km run, yet still return admirable fuel economy.
ng. On the negative ng. That *Limited centreModel Shown Payment based on model who would wish to@ ZFREVT AM for 60 months lease rate Total price $26,095 arket 1.99% offerings look
Performance:
Official fuel economy figures for the ST are quite good at 7178993 As a highway car, the no-shift passing response is very 7.3L/100kms on the highway, and 10.2L/100kms in the good. Lots of low-end torque means you can just leave the city. Observed real-world economy is really going to depend manual-only shifter in top gear and just let your left foot on how often you ignore the upshift indicator and just floor get you up to speed. Road noise from the 18” alloys and but the ST can handle a gentle commute without being LIMITEDWRX. STOCK, CALLit, TODAY! performance tires is less intrusive than in a Subaru too painful at the pump.
2015 CLEAROUT SALE! RAV4
AT: until the PLUS SAVE: However, the ST doesn’t reallySTARTING wake up road gets $ a dedicated European $ twisty. The advantage of having performance arm for decades is thatFREIGHT Ford’s hatchback INCLUDING ADDITIONAL CASH DISCOUNT offerings have been fighting off AND a DELIVERY much larger PURCHASE competitive segment than we experience in North America. Here, we
26,095
1,500
1-888-854-2634 Dealer #30377 /MONTH Light: Green TAX INCLUDED!
298Characterful,www.peacearchtoyota.com engaging drive; usable passenger and cargo
$
7178853
re pretty tame – the nteel machine. ng its intentions to mborghini-ish centres.
Features:
60 MONTHS LEASE, ONLY $600 DOWN!
space; grippy3174 seats KING GEORGE BLV, SURREY
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