The next Car of the Year?

KOREAN car company Kia came up with a great marketing ploy a few years back when they became the first to offer a seven-year warranty on their cars and jeeps.

That warranty, which is transferable to subsequent owners, got people to focus more on the Kia brand.

In the past Kia has produced fine jeeps like the Sportage and Sorento while the Cee’d was probably their best saloon car to-date. Then last

November their small Rio was voted Continental Irish Motor Writers’ Car of the Year.

Now Kia has moved up another notch with the introduction of the Optima, which I think is the classiest looking car they have introduced to this side of the world. This is the third version of the Optima, but the first edition to be launched in Europe. The Optima will compete in the mid-sized family saloon category where their main competitors will be the Ford Mondeo, VW Passat, Opel Insignia and Toyota Avensis, but I think it should be well able to for the challenge.

The car is designed by Kia’s German-born designer Peter Schreyer and features Kia’s new-look grille, known as the Tiger Nose. In a previous role Schreyer was responsible for the design of the Audi TT. That front grille is very attractive and it’s complimented by attractive headlights and LED daytime running lights which really grab your attention. Overall the car has a chunky but sporty look to it and the high rear end emphasises just how big the car is.

Inside the cabin the first thing you notice when you switch on the ignition is that the driver’s seat moves into the position you last set it in. A nice touch. I drove an automatic version of the Platinum model and it also had toggles on the side of the steering wheel if I wanted to opt for manual gear change. The Platinum model also included attractive17-inch alloys and a glass roof which really brightened up the interior. The interior was just a little dark due to the black leather seating, but those seats are really comfortable.

There are lots of safety devices and extras including USB and Aux ports. The controls on the dash are well laid out and there are plenty of slave controls on the steering wheel. The steering wheel itself has a lovely feel to it. And if you are reversing a reversing camera is shown on half of your rear-view mirror, a really nice touch. There is plenty of room for three adults in the back and the boot is massive and comes with a full-size spare wheel. On the road this is a very solid motor and I would definitely recommend a test drive.

Prices start at e26,995 for the entry level EX model. The Platinum models at

?¬28,995 give you lots of extras, while the automatic version I drove will cost you

?¬32,695. The automatic is a bit expensive and I reckon most people will go for the entry level or the Platinum. Only one engine size available and that’s a 1.7 diesel and it gives you 134 brake horse power. C02 emissions are 133g/km which puts in the band B for road tax.

I think Kia could be in the shake-up for Car of the Year again this year with the Optima.