Test Drive Kia Optima (K5) since 2010 Sedan

Korean Revelations

Machines of the largest South Korean manufacturers, until recently, were produced in Russia: Kia Magentis - in Kaliningrad, Hyundai Sonata V - in Taganrog. The latter and now is going there.
 

Accordingly, both cars had at least one advantage over European and Japanese competitors: they could be offered noticeably cheaper. But now the representative segment is the pure Koreans.

 

The new generation of Sonata, presented last year, received an unnecessary NF name in Russia, and in KIA did not even change the name of their model; The new generation of Magentis appeared from dealers in the late spring. Both manufacturer noted that new products are an undoubted step forward not only in technical, but also in the designer sense. But how notice is this step? Let's check.

 

Let's start with the newly appeared KIA. We took the test 2.0-liter Magentis with an automatic 4-speed box. Choose, however, it was possible only to transmissia: while only one engine comes to Russia; True, soon promise to import more powerful power units. His relative-competitor (both cars are made on one, front-wheel drive platform) NF is also represented with the only available, but 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and also with an automatic box. Meet, as you know, in order to appreciate the appearance of competitors, you need to prepare and, first of all, relax. Abstract from the rest of the automotive world, forget about the existence of other brands. It is not necessary for the excess manifestation of erudition in the search for familiar features in these fresh cars - in the guise of both Koreans, if you wish, you can guess the features of a dozen other cars. It is possible that something is borrowed from competitors, and possibly, on the contrary, the competitors took something from Hyundai and Kia. Or maybe you should remember the prutkova goat: Find and in a different way you can accept a common one? ..

 

But what, actually, is embarrassed when the local Mimicry NF led to a pretty cute, organic, albeit eclectic design? Magentis looks more original, although this originality is determined mainly to dissolve the already known cars. And in fact, everything can be described by literary stamps like: a strict and dynamic body silhouette, a high windows line, etc. But why repeat what was able to show the photographer (at the same time, at the same time, our time is directly tested for cars)? Therefore, no additional comments - see yourself!
 

Here on the assessment of the salon I would like to stop more. The difference manifested immediately: our NF is finished with a light velor with a large pile, and Magentis is a more practical, but less pleasing eye with a dark cloth. Probably smokers will prefer the second option. Double dashboard design: dark top, light bottom, plus plastic inserts for metal - give NF harmonious appearance. And thanks to the light tones in which the interior is made, a feeling of space is created.

 

In KIA, there are fewer hints for high status. But modesty is not a vice (although, in our opinion, both salons are a little displeased to the business segment competitors). Equally large steered thinned, but with good friction properties - from hands do not express even with active work. And both Baranki are adjusted by tilt and departure. Especially conveniently settled in Kia: there is adjustment of the front edge of the seat up and down, but for some reason it is deprived.
 

The instruments in Magentis look more stylish than in Korean competitor. But if you think about why, then the answer is not immediately: apparently, mainly due to purple glow around the base of the shooter. By the way, this glow is not reminded? Well, okay, the speedometer and tachometer readings are read perfect. And the rest of the torpedo is almost identical: the difference is only in the radio - our NF was released a year ago, so the audio system is installed on it, which assumes only reading the audio cassette (cars supplied now have a CD player), while Magentis got to us already with a CD player .
 

NF instrument panel is also no originality, but no complaints are: in the center - speedometer with a small on-board computer screen, on the left - tachometer, right - temperature sensors and fuel levels. All would be nothing if there is no poisonous green backlight. However, this is a matter of taste.
 
It should be noted that both sedans have become much spacious than their predecessors: Hyundai NF has become 55 mm longer than the previous Sonata, and its wheelbase increased by 30 mm. The change in the size affected the size of the cabin: the space for the driver's feet and the front passenger increased by 10 mm, and the rear - by as many as 30 mm. Kia Magentis is also distinguished by a more spacious interior: the sedan rose in length by 15 mm and for as many as 70 mm - height. You don't even think about the free space here: the right sign that with comfort - in any case, in statics - everything is in order.
 

Despite the fact that the filling of both cars, in theory, should be identical, the difference in motion is manifested from the very first meters. NF is very smooth - you can even say, gently. Road defects remain almost unnoticed due to the quality work of the suspension and excellent noise insulation. True, thanks to the long-time and soft suspension, the handling is not so impressive: the sedan distinguished himself with strong rolls and a sufficiently long-term reaction to the change in the angle of the steering wheel.

 

Steering sharpness lacks new Magentis. But at the same time, it is configured cutting: rolls here less less, the suspension reacts louder to potholes, but to maneuvers the car is better.
 

Brakes and here, and there - on a firm four. Sufficiently sharp and perfectly coordinated with ABS electronic systems and distribution of brake efforts. From the highest assessment, only the fact that in our opinion, in our opinion, is a little lack of transparency in work: to slow down smoothly and competently calculate the effort, you need to work hard
 

Here, the transmissions showed itself as they should have: equally. Four-stage machines work gently and without delay. True, without special excitement. Automatic boxes have a manual switching mode, which shortens a little shift time. But preferring a dynamic ride we advise a manual box: on both cars it will reduce overclocking up to 100 km / h a few seconds.
 

As for the engines, they are not better suitable for automatic boxes. Made as if under the carbon, both engines do not complain with sharpness and sharp pickups. All for smooth and comfort. And here Magentis was not meditated by sports manifested in controllability. Unless the reaction to the actions with a gas pedal in NF seemed a little more maturity. So: moderately fast acceleration, low engine noise, reserve of thrust on the upper and medium speeds - the Koreans really right engines are excellent suitable for daily use. Without special enthusiasm, but without complaints.
 

Which of these cars prefer? Some of us liked Kia - a little better maneuverability. The other estimated a more imaging character Magentis. But everything would be simple if the choice is to limit two models! But the fact of the matter is that rivals in class D as a selection - with ambitions.

 

It is possible to stand out and become an unconditional leader in this segment, only showing something out of the rank. And Kia and Hyundai, without giving us their weaknesses (maybe they are not at all?), Did not show and explicit advantages over other competitors. Everything is balanced here and harmoniously, but this harmony is waiting for? Probably ... It's hard to say.
 

Kia Magentis
The most affordable Magentis is estimated at $ 23,990. In the database, in addition to a 2.0-liter 144-power engine and a 5-speed KP, there are ABS, EBD, central locking, driver and front passenger airbags, GUR, air conditioning, radio + CD, four speakers With tweeters, electric car. The version with the machine will cost $ 1,55 more expensive.
 
Hyundai Nf.
Basic NF with mechanical gearbox costs $ 27,990. Completion is solid, among other things, we note Gur, front and side pillows, as well as security curtains, immobilizer, ABS, EBD, central locking, on-board computer, climate control, CD-MP3 radio tape recorder with control buttons Steering, 6 speakers, electric car. The most accessible version with the machine costs $ 1,000 more expensive.

 

Cars provided by Auto Center Dakar, the official dealer Kia and Hyundai


Text: Alexander Korchenko
Photo: Roman Stunnin
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 

A source: Magazine "Wheels" [№106 / 2006]