Large solid sedan spacious interior and - isn't this the dream of an average Russian car enthusiast? Are there many worthy representatives of this segment on the market? It turns out - yes, enough, and as today's duelists we present to your attention Kia Optima and very popular model Toyota Camry.
However, on domestic roads, both models are found with almost the same frequency. Sales statistics says: japanese sedan in recent years, it has consistently been in the top 20 most popular cars, regardless of the segment. The Korean has never been in the top twenty, but in absolute terms it is inferior to Toyota quite a bit, 15-30%. And this means that, despite the promotion of Camry, Optima is not critically behind. Therefore, interest in both sedans is high, and their comparative testing will be very useful.
Technical features of the models
As subjects of the review specifications the following models will be considered: from the side of Kia Optima - a car of 2018, equipped with a 150-horsepower two-liter engine and automatic transmission, Toyota Camry will present a car with exactly the same power unit and transmission, also released last year:
| Assembly country | RF | RF |
| Engine volume, l. | 1,99 | 1,99 |
| Power, l. from. | 150 | 150 |
| Max cr. moment at rpm, Nm | 196/4800 | 199/4600 |
| Transmission type | Six-speed automatic transmission | Six-speed automatic transmission |
| Fuel tank capacity, l | 70 | 70 |
| Length, cm. | 486 | 485 |
| Height, see | 149 | 148 |
| wheelbase, see | 280 | 278 |
| . | 15,5 | 16,0 |
| Weight in curb condition, t. | 1,55 | 1,54 |
| Trunk volume, l. | 510 | 505 |
| Max speed, km/h | 250 | 210 |
| Fuel consumption combined cycle | 7,7 | 7,2 |
| Tire size | 215/60R16 | 215/60R16 |
As you can see, for most positions the parameters are very close.
Appearance
You can’t call Optima a typical sedan - the car skillfully disguises itself as a sports-orientated liftback, although the Camry has a similar situation after the second restyling, especially if you stand from a certain angle. One way or another, but in terms of dimensions, both cars are almost the same, the difference of one centimeter is not physically noticeable (and even less than a centimeter - 30 mm in length, 10 mm in height and 25 mm in wheelbase). Compared to predecessors japanese bestseller became more squat, which was facilitated by the transition to a new modular platform with the TNGA index. As a result, the E-Class sedan looks wider than it actually is, but the changed proportions are not wrong, just the car is perceived very differently.
Assembled in Kaliningrad, the Kia Optima still looks much more solid and richer than the Toyota Camry: there are one inch larger wheels, and a roof with a panoramic view in the base, and more chrome parts, and less conspicuous body gaps. In favor of the St. Petersburg Camry, a few words can be said about best quality LKP - shagreen is practically invisible here. Yes, and the visibility of the Japanese is a little better and the coverage of the space around the car with external mirrors is wider. But there is clearly a lack of quality parking radar: those angle sensors that are available do not always work adequately.
Salon and trunk
The first thing we see when opening the door of any car is the driver's seat. For Kia, this obligatory element in an experienced driver evokes some associations. It's no secret that just one and a half to two decades ago, Korean designers dominated the Japanese school of auto design, but recently they are increasingly reorienting themselves towards European style. Water and the driver's seat Optima subtly reminiscent of the salon Audi or VW. But here we are not talking about full or partial copying - the seats are close in spirit: the same verified geometric shapes, the same ergonomics calculated to the millimeter and the complete absence of catchy details.
The seating position is low, almost like a sports car, the support is at the level, the steering wheel also has a sporty look with a beveled bottom. Finally, the center console, like some Germans, is slightly turned towards the driver. In a word, a hint of the gambling nature of the sedan sticking out of all the cracks. However, talking about an ideal fit, for obvious reasons, cannot be perceived with absolute objectivity: for some, it will really be as comfortable as possible, others may note the apparent lack of free space above their heads, and others may not like the profile of the chair due to anatomical features.
In the updated Camry, there are few changes in the cabin. Here, as before, it is very convenient, and not only for the driver. The ergonomics are excellent, but the layout of the keys and buttons for the Russian user is not standard in everything, but you quickly get used to it ... As for the general perception, the interior design of the Japanese "froze" at the level of at least five years ago, and did not criticize the false wooden overlays, except perhaps completely incapable of such actions. However, conditional conservatism is not so bad, but experienced drivers like the Camry elephant for another reason: a driver with any anthropological data will feel like a fish in water while driving. Yes, and there is more than enough space in the rear in Toyota: in its class in terms of free space on the rear sofa, Camry is one of the leaders. In some ways, it can even be perceived as a compact limousine. But let's leave juggling terminologies aside - Kia is also quite a spacious car, and here you can also enjoy options that increase comfort: curtains on the windows, the presence of a USB port designed to recharge smartphones and other gadgets.
As for the front seats, the Camry has very soft ones - but this just limits the possibilities of high-speed driving, and the lateral support is not impressive. In addition, the skin looks moderately slippery, conducive to a calm driving style.
As for visibility, because of the sports orientation of the Optima, it is much worse here than that of the Japanese sedan. Sitting behind the wheel of a Toyota, you feel the dimensions of the car much more sharply, and from all sides. So the all-round view option here plays more of a safety role. This feature is also present in Optima, but it is implemented unsuccessfully, due to the disgusting image quality. If we compare the visibility of competitors, then the differences are most pronounced when a car enters an underground parking lot: on a Camry it usually succeeds the first time, on a Kia it often requires a second entry to the next floor.
Engines and transmissions
The line of power units of both sedans consists of three motors. Camry has two well-known and well-proven four-cylinder engines:
- a two-liter 150-horsepower 6AR-FSE engine developing 192 Nm cr. torque at 4700 rpm;
- 181-horsepower 2.5-liter engine with a factory index 2AR-FE, developing 231 Nm at a crankshaft speed of 4000 rpm.
But there is also a novelty - a six-cylinder 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS engine, equipped with an intake-mounted hydraulic phase shifter and a combined fuel injection system. It allows you to develop 250 Horse power and 356 Nm of torque at 4700 rpm. The younger ones are aggregated with proven six-speed automatics, the top engine is paired with an upgraded eight-speed automatic transmission option.
Kia has two main aspirators:
- a two-liter 150-horsepower Nu MPI engine equipped with a distributed injection system and developing 196 Nm at a crankshaft speed of 4800 rpm;
- The 2.4-liter Theta-II engine with direct injection has a power of 188 "horses" and max. torque of 241 Nm, achieved at 4000 rpm.
But the Korean also has a zest that is installed only on the GT-Line package - this is a two-liter four-cylinder that develops traction of 245 horsepower and produces 350 Nm in a wide frequency range (1500-4000 rpm).
As you can see, the comparison of cars in terms of engine characteristics demonstrates approximate equality.
Dynamics, fuel consumption
The younger Camry engine can hardly be called a worthy choice: for a car with such a mass, it is rather weak, so the result of 11.0 seconds required to accelerate to a hundred looks appropriate. Optima with the same two-liter engine has a result with manual transmission better by 1.4 seconds, with a Kia automatic transmission it accelerates to the “first automobile” in 10.7 seconds. The top units demonstrate decent performance, but here the Kia is slightly better - 7.4 seconds versus 7.7 seconds for the Camry with a 3.5-liter power unit.
As expected, the efficiency of two-liter engines is better for Toyota: its younger engine consumes 9.7 liters per 100 km in the city, 5.5 liters on the highway, and an average of 7.1 liters. The Optima has slightly higher figures: 10.4 / 6.1 / 7.7 liters, respectively.
The average consumption of top engines, surprisingly, is not much higher - for a turbocharged unit from Kia it is 8.5 liters, for a Camry with a 3.5-liter engine - 8.7 liters.
Comparative Kia test Optima and Toyota Camry in terms of efficiency and acceleration dynamics recorded a slight advantage of the Japanese.
Manageability and safety
Although Toyota is associated with exemplary reliability, in this case you can very quickly become disillusioned with the quality of a sedan: after starting the engine and turning on the gear selector, you will immediately feel how the hood vibrates, and this vibration is transmitted to the passenger compartment, to the floor and wheel. In Optima, this phenomenon is also present, but much less pronounced. But it is worth taking a start - and Toyota becomes a very quiet car, for which unevenness is not a hindrance. But the smoothness of the suspension is so good that it can be annoying with constant swaying on barely perceptible waves of the road surface.
In high-speed corners, Toyota feels not very confident, but in a straight line the car moves confidently, obediently obeying the steering wheel turns. As for agility, little has changed compared to its predecessor - when you try to accelerate sharply, the machine works with delays, sometimes quite unexpectedly and unpredictably. Yes and implementation sport mode looks like a mockery here.
Kia may seem like a real athlete against the background of a competitor. Although the power of the sedans is comparable, the Korean's gas pedal control is more accurate, engine braking is very good. There are three modes, from the very uncomfortable and thoughtful Eco to the instantly responsive Sport. The only problematic moment in the operation of the motor is missing here - a small jerk in the initial phase of acceleration, which manifests itself when the accelerator pedal is released. The Optima's brakes are tighter, and take some getting used to, especially after the Camry's gently responsive pedal.
The Japanese has a rather heavy steering wheel, compared to the very lightweight Kia wheel, which is especially pronounced at low speeds. But when maneuvering in city traffic, the Optima performs better, responding with predictable behavior and minimal rolls. At speed, there are no special complaints against Kia either - when the adhesion threshold is exceeded, all four wheels go into slip, which simplifies driving by changing traction. The situation is about the same for the Japanese, but the native Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tires that come with the base on the Optima keep the car on the track better than Toyota's Premium Contact 5 universal tires from Continental.
But on the other hand, Kia is much noisier, even at relatively low speeds, all the buzz from listening to music disappears. If the asphalt is rough or age-related, then it’s time to plug your ears, but such roads are rather commonplace for our country. Finally, the stiffness of the Optima's suspension won't give you much joy on bumpy roads either, despite its high power consumption.
So we can’t say unequivocally which is better in terms of handling, Toyota Camry or Kia Optima. But a lot depends on, and driving style, and many other factors.
Maintenance cost
Operating costs, for known reasons, are also important. In this regard, KIA is noticeably better: a CASCO policy for a Korean costs 40,000 rubles less, you need to undergo MOT every 15 thousand kilometers (for Toyota - every 10,000). The cost of gasoline is less for the Japanese, and with the preservation of the residual price, it is much better here. But many motorists are guided precisely by the liquidity of the purchased car. The appearance of a worthy rival in the face of Optima can change the situation, but it will take a long time.
Options and prices
The budget modification of Optima costs 1.335 million rubles, and the equipment of this car is by no means minimalist:
- rear/front power windows;
- Cruise control;
- electric drive of external mirrors;
- light sensor;
- daytime running LED lights;
- ESC/VSM/HAC/ESS systems;
- front / side PB and curtains;
- tire pressure control.
The most expensive Optima GT equipment with a turbocharged two-liter engine costs from 2.055 million rubles.
The base Toyota Camry has approximately the same list of options:
- LED optics;
- light sensor;
- rear / front power windows;
- electrically adjustable exterior mirrors;
- push-button start of the power unit;
- front / side PB, curtain airbags;
- set of systems active safety– ABS/EBD/BAS/VSC/HAC/TRC.
But such a modification costs more - 1.57 million.
Top equipment Camry Executive Safety 2019 with a 3.5-liter unit costs 2.5 million rubles.
Optionally, Kia, starting with the budget modification, offers the “Warm Options” package, which, in turn, may include such units as heated windshield in the area of the wiper nozzles, electrically heated exterior mirrors, heated steering wheel and rear seats.
Toyota also has a similar Winter Comfort package: electric heating of the steering wheel, rear sofa and front seats, exterior mirrors, wiper nozzles, windshield, air ducts for the rear sofa, indicator of a drop in the fluid level in the washer reservoir.
What to choose
Outwardly, the new Camry bears little resemblance to the car of the previous generation - the Japanese decided to change its image at the conceptual level, abandoning the calm appearance. Now the car has become youthful, has acquired a pronounced rapid appearance. There are fewer changes in the cabin, here they decided to maintain an orientation towards an increased level of comfort, now for the driver.
But the price for all these innovations is an increase in cost, and quite tangible. If you take into account the traditionally expensive CASCO policy for Camry and the short interval between maintenance (10 thousand kilometers), then you should prepare for the fact that owning a large Japanese sedan will cost you a pretty penny.
From this point of view, the choice between Camry and Optima suggests a roll aside - it costs less in comparable trim levels, and maintenance needs to be carried out one and a half times less often. You should also take into account the five-year warranty from Kia. But otherwise, the cars are close, and in terms of reliability and prestige, Toyota is clearly preferable. And if you expect to sell a car after 5-6 years of operation, then here the advantage of the Japanese is more than obvious.
What about Japanese car, then he almost always enjoyed enviable popularity among domestic buyers. Just recently, the Korean analogue of KIA Optima swung at his leadership qualities, which, by the way, looks like a quite worthy competitor, capable of moving the Japanese off the pedestal. Despite this, the Japanese are also on the alert, and are ready to offer new version Camry.
Flawless Sedan
Ratings and sales
At the beginning of the 2000s, many large automobile corporations erected their factories in Russia and tried to stay on the domestic market as long as possible. but Japanese company, took a slightly different route. If most of the company put on conveyors, exclusively compact versions of crossovers, then the Japanese company decided to launch Camry into production. And looking ahead, it should be noted that they made the right step. Since there was localization, cars began to be sold at a fairly attractive price, which had a positive effect on consumer demand. A few years ago, Camry was sold in about the same volumes as all cars in this class combined. For example, in 2017, more than 28 thousand cars were sold. This is an incredibly high figure, given that cars, to put it mildly, are not cheap.
Korean sedan
- At the moment, Camry got rid of a sufficient curvaceous body, which is already quite fed up with many users. The exterior began to look in a sporty style, which is quite good.
- As for the Optima, it is the only car of its brand that has received such large dimensions. In addition, driving performance is also on top here.
Over the past few months, the demand for Korean cars has increased, the Russians have bought almost 13 thousand cars. Such interest in the Korean car can be explained by the fact that now it has received a much brighter design, and price policy became more forgiving.
Engine and transmission
As for the American market for Camry cars, there is an opportunity to purchase updated engines which have not been used until now. For Russian consumer, things are somewhat different. The base variant, as before, will be a 2-liter unit with a maximum output of 150 horsepower, as well as an automatic six-speed gearbox. As for the indicators of dynamics, nothing is clear here yet. It is quite possible that the car will be able to overcome the first hundred kilometers per hour in 10.4 seconds, like the previous model of the series. For such a huge and solid sedan, such a motor will not be enough, in some situations. In the event that the indicator of dynamics is very important, then you should pay attention to the option that works on 2.5 liters. Such a motor is already capable of operating at 181 horsepower. The previous generation Camry, thanks to this motor, could reach 100 kilometers per hour in 9 seconds. These two modifications work on a six-speed automatic.
The main news related to the technical feature is related to top version auto. A 3.5-liter engine is already installed here, there is a V-shaped six. The main advantageous feature of this car is that it has a combined fuel injection system. In other markets, a similar model is capable of delivering 305 horsepower. As for the domestic market, versions running on 249 horsepower will be sold here. Here, an updated eight-speed automatic will also be available.
As for the basic version of KIA, there is still the same 2-liter engine running at 150 horsepower. However, the Optima-2.0 variant can offer a manual transmission, which for many buyers is a significant plus. In order to purchase a 6-speed automatic, you will have to pay a little extra. The first option is capable of accelerating to 100 kilometers per hour in 9.6 seconds, and the version with a gun, in 10.7 seconds.
The Optima variant with a 2.4-liter engine is already capable of showing 188 horsepower. Despite this, this option does not give any additional forces in front of the Japanese counterpart, the car accelerates to 100 kilometers per hour in 9.1 seconds. As for the most expensive version of the car, here, unlike the Camry, there is a turbocharged V4, which, with a volume of 2 liters, has a capacity of 245 horsepower. This option will accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour in just 7.4 seconds, and the maximum speed of the car was 240 kilometers per hour.
Pricing policy and equipment
The very first and affordable version of the Camry car was called the Standard, and this option will cost 1 million 390 thousand rubles. The car package, in this case, includes: heated seats, climate control, full electric package, the ability to start the car without a key, a high-quality audio system, light sensors and high-quality LED headlights. Of course, there are many more various little things here, but it is worth listing only the most necessary and interesting.
quality sedan
As for the modification called Standard Plus, there is a 2-liter version for 1 million 499 thousand rubles, as well as a 2.5-liter option for 1 million 623 thousand rubles. There are front and rear type paktronics, a high-quality leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated seats, mirrors and windshield, high-quality cruise control and no less high-quality multimedia system with a large seven-inch screen. A more expensive version can still offer a special induction system for charging smartphones. As for the Classic version, here, in addition to everything, there is also a high-quality leather interior, as well as an electric drive for the front seats of the car. The price in this case is 1 million 549 thousand rubles. In this case, in order to get a 2.5 liter engine, you will have to pay an additional 150 thousand rubles.
As for the Safety version, it will cost 1 million 818 thousand rubles, and the Safety Prestige will cost 1 million 930 thousand rubles. Both of these options have only 2.5 liter engine.
As for the first option, there will be: high-quality 17-inch wheels, reliable heated steering wheel and front seats, a more advanced rear-view camera, an airbag on the wheel, and there is also a fairly high-quality cruise control. Among other things, it is simply impossible to ignore the special function of emergency braking on the roads, as well as a special collision avoidance system.
The second option received in the package, high-quality 18-inch wheels, an interesting and very high-quality ionizer, and an improved audio system. Also now there is already an eight-inch screen.
A variation that uses a V6 engine can be purchased for 2 million 166 thousand rubles. This price is calculated only for the Lux package. As for the most expensive version of the car, it costs 2 million 341 thousand rubles.
As for the pricing policy of Optima, in this case they are more affordable. Basic version of the car with mechanical box programs, will cost 1 million 209 thousand rubles. However, in this case, the equipment of the car is much less high quality. It is already installed here, only air conditioning, head unit and 16 inch wheels. The Comfort modification will already cost 1 million 329 thousand 900 rubles. There will already be climate control and a rain sensor, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The luxury equipment of the car will cost 1 million 449 thousand rubles. There are: alloy wheels, an electric drive type for the driver's seat, as well as an electric handbrake. From this version, you can purchase, for an additional 80 thousand rubles, a version of the car with a 2.4 liter engine. The prestige version will cost 1 million 529 thousand rubles. Here, the changes are associated only with additional tracking systems for blind spots, as well as with the ability to gain access to the cabin without a key.
The most expensive modification of the car, called GT. This option will cost already 1 million 879 thousand rubles. In this case, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, an improved sports steering wheel, as well as a specialized surround view function are installed.
What to choose in the end
As for the Japanese car, it has been significantly improved from a visual point of view, but technically it has not changed much. Among other things, the maintenance of the Japanese model will cost quite a tidy sum. But, he's just gorgeous in the cabin.
Korean car can offer good technical features as well as a manual transmission. Moreover, it is a little more economical, and maintenance will be cheaper. However, in this case, less interesting design and much less technical features than the Camry.
Kia Optima. Price: 1 589 900 rubles. On sale: since 2016
Toyota Camry. Price: 1 656 000 rubles. On sale: since 2014
At the end of last year, Toyota in the D segment won the undisputed leadership in the number of cars sold: 30,136 Camry sold out - four times more than the nearest rival Hyundai i40 (7174 pcs.)! Kia Optima, by the way, was sold less (3096 units). The situation must be corrected new model, which appeared towards the end of 2015. Moreover, buyers are lured by the “two-faced” nature of the novelty: they say, if you want a comfortable business class car, buy an ordinary Optima, and if your soul requires excitement, then choose a 240-horsepower Optima GT or at least a less powerful sedan with GT-line body kit. The latter just got to us for the test.
It is the sports plumage, which has lost its funny “three-barreled” LED foglights, that makes Kia look like the Camry that came out earlier. Outwardly, snow-white sedans really look like each other, especially when viewed from the front: slanted headlights united by a radiator grill, triangles of side and trapezoid central air intakes, developed aerodynamic tides at the corners of the bumpers ... It’s not immediately noticeable from 30 meters! However, the younger car of the Korean brand still looks more modern and more stylish - after all, the Optima is not upgraded, but almost a completely new model. The seventh generation Camry, updated at the end of 2014, was released at all in 2011. Kia also looks larger than its direct competitor, although in fact it almost repeats the dimensions of the Camry: it is 35 mm wider, 5 mm higher and the same length.
The design of modern Kia never ceases to please: both statically and dynamically, the Optima is extremely effective
Despite the age, as we have already mentioned, the Japanese sedan does not lose ground. This also applies to the pricing policy: the Camry presented for the test with a 2.5-liter aspirated and automatic, although slightly more expensive than the Kia with a comparable power unit, is much worse equipped. Cross your fingers: Panoramic roof, front seat ventilation, automatic trunk release, all-round cameras, navigation system, lane change assistant, sunblinds rear doors, bi-xenon headlights, electronic handbrake ... The Japanese opponent is deprived of all this wealth. And Kia also greets passengers at night with a light hidden in the door handles. Gets you right away! What does Toyota offer in return? Let's try to figure it out.
If the theater begins with a hanger, then acquaintance with the car - from the driver's seat. plunging into Salon Kia, you catch yourself thinking that it reminds you of something ... Previously, Korean cars were closer in spirit to Japanese ones, but now they are a clear reference to the "Germans", namely Volkswagen and Audi. Moreover, this is not a parody or imitation, but rather the same mood: well-balanced ergonomics, calm geometric shapes and the absence of “flashy” details.
The seats are set low, have developed support, the small-diameter steering wheel has a lower edge beveled in a sporty manner, the center console is slightly turned towards the pilot. A discreet but persistent hint of excitement! On the whole, I liked the driving position, but the profile of the seats, although tight in combat, is not fully verified, and even in the lowest position of the pillow, the ceiling visually “presses” the driver a little: with my height of 179 cm, the free clearance above my head did not exceed 5 -7 cm.
On the move, the Toyota is quite rolled, but it “lays softly” and pleases with the energy intensity of the suspension
Camry has a completely different mood that has not changed over the years: here, as before, comfort and proven solutions rule the ball. The design of the front panel here is already outdated at the stage of updating in 2014, and the plastic-wooden inserts were not criticized, probably, only by the lazy one ... But, perhaps, there is nothing really wrong with that. I am sure that an older target audience will definitely appreciate the conservatism of the interior, where everything is familiar and understandable. The older generation will choose Toyota for other understandable reasons: both a taller and a larger person can imposingly sit behind the wheel here - places with a margin in all directions. It is especially easy to sit in the back: Camry is a real limousine in terms of the reserve of space on the second row among competitors! In Kia, of course, it’s not so spacious, but you can’t call it cramped either, and passengers, in addition to stove deflectors, have curtains on the windows, a cigarette lighter socket and a USB port for charging gadgets.
Quite soft Toyota seats are not conducive to active driving - there is a shortage of lateral support, and the skin is slippery, but their profile is more successful. Visibility here is also much better than that of the coupe-like Optima: due to the higher landing, you feel the dimensions of the car more sharply both in front and on the sides - in principle, no all-round visibility is needed. Although Kia has the last option, it is apparently “for show”: the image quality leaves much to be desired. The features of the view are well felt when entering the underground parking lot: if you play it safe on the Kia just in case and drive to the next floor in two passes, then you fly into the Toyota the first time without even thinking.
In motion, the cars also showed quite different tempers. Suspension Kia turned out to be surprisingly balanced, which was not particularly observed in Korean cars before: despite the 18-inch wheels, all road trifles are perfectly isolated from the passenger compartment, there is no strong buildup on asphalt waves, and during maneuvers the sedan behaves quite steadily, almost without annoying rolls. Toyota is much more rolly in corners, but its suspension would fit a crossover too - energy consumption is on top! In terms of exchange rate stability both sedans turned out to be good, only the Camry had to be corrected for studded tires, which, at positive temperatures, introduced excessive smearing into the behavior of the sedan. The Optima turns much more readily into corners, but the steering effort is too artificial, although everything is in order with sharpness. There are also complaints about Toyota in this regard - the steering is even more lacking in information content and quick reactions, but in both cases you get used to it.
But from the point of view of accelerating dynamics, the championship goes to Toyota. Despite the fact that the passport characteristics of the cars are very close (acceleration to hundreds is 9–9.1 s), the Toyota engine is perceived much more alive: it accelerates both from a standstill and from a Camry speed much more willingly, despite the more thoughtful automatic. Perhaps the point is in the Japanese engine, which is less strangled by European standards, or maybe in a more conservative injection system: unlike the direct one in Kia, the Camry engine is “distributed”. This is a separate plus in the piggy bank Japanese reliability: more simple fuel system, as a rule, is more durable with our fuel and easier in terms of maintenance.
Touching upon the topic of maintenance, it is worth mentioning the cost of ownership. Maintaining a Korean sedan is cheaper: the cost of a hull, for example, is almost 40 thousand less for Kia, and it will be necessary to carry out scheduled maintenance commensurate in cost 1.5 times less often - every 15 thousand km. However, there is also back side medals: Camry retains the residual value better, and shorter maintenance intervals, as experience shows, often become the key to that same reliability. So far, the Camry's higher liquidity argument has proved to be the deciding factor so far, as the sales figures speak volumes. Whether the market situation will change with the advent of such strong contenders as Optima, time will tell.
KIA OPTIMA 1 589 900 rub.
In many respects, the Korean "Optima" will give odds to the "Japanese": its character has become much more balanced.
|
Driving Gambling "Optima" can not be called, rather - balanced Salon The interior is really good: design and quality materials do not contradict functionality Comfort The suspension copes well with the road surface, and the noise isolation with the sound background that accompanies it. Price "More car" for the same price is one of the main advantages of Kia Average score |
Dense chairs with developed lateral support are good, but not ideal: the relief is still rustic
TO dashboard you can't fault it: informative, concise and tasteful
Necessary conditions for the habitation of gadgets - Kia has
Behind, of course, not as spacious as in the Camry, but quite comfortable. I wish the chairs were softer...
TOYOTA CAMRY 1 656 000 r.
Comfort, practicality and reputation are the three pillars on which the Camry's market success is built.
|
Driving The Camry engine turned out to be faster than the Korean one, and the automatic transmission was slower Salon You can’t hide your age: the interior of the Toyota is outdated, but still quite practical Comfort This is where Toyota wins back: the suspension is as good at isolating road trifles as a Kia, but tolerates bad roads much more easily. Security Camry successfully passed IIHS American crash test Price "Toyota" is more expensive than "Kia", and equipped - poorer Average score |
Soft chairs "Camry" are almost devoid of lateral support and set up for a measured ride
The instrument panel, of course, is spectacular, but sometimes it dazzles the eyes from small numbers and blue backlighting.
The media system is already outdated, and navigation is available only in the most expensive trim levels.
Rear sofa Camry - the softest and most spacious among competitors
| Specifications | ||
| KIA OPTIMA | TOYOTA CAMRY | |
| Dimensions, weight | ||
| Length, mm | 4855 | 4850 |
| Width, mm | 1860 | 1825 |
| Height, mm | 1485 | 1480 |
| Wheel base, mm | 2805 | 2775 |
| Clearance, mm | 155 | 160 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1575 | 1530 |
| Gross weight, kg | 2050 | 2100 |
| Trunk volume, l | 510 | 506 |
| Volume fuel tank, l | 70 | 70 |
| Dynamics, economy | ||
| Maximum speed, km/h | 210 | 210 |
| Acceleration time 0–100 km/h, s | 9,1 | 9,0 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km: | ||
| urban cycle | 12,0 | 11,0 |
| suburban cycle | 6,2 | 5,9 |
| mixed cycle | 8,3 | 7,8 |
| Technique | ||
| engine's type | petrol, 4-cylinder | petrol, 4-cylinder |
| Working volume, cm 3 | 2359 | 2494 |
| HP power at min -1 | 188 at 6000 | 181 at 6000 |
| Torque Nm at min -1 | 241 at 4000 | 231 at 4100 |
| Transmission | automatic, 6-speed | automatic, 6-speed |
| Drive unit | front | front |
| Front suspension | independent, McPherson | independent, McPherson |
| Rear suspension | independent, multi-link | independent, multi-link |
| Brakes (front/rear) | disk | disk |
| Tire size | 235/45R18 | 215/55R17 |
| Operating costs* | ||
| Transport tax, r. | 9400 | 9050 |
| TO-1 / TO-2, r. | 10 432 / 12 182 | 9416 / 13 524 |
| OSAGO, r. | 10 982 | 10 982 |
| Casco, r. | 109 703 | 148 785 |
* Transport tax in Moscow. TO-1 / TO-2 - according to the dealer. Casco and OSAGO - at the rate of 1 male driver, single, age 30 years, driving experience 10 years.
Our verdict
Despite the external similarity, the cars are completely opposite in spirit: for about the same price as the Camry, Kia offers best level equipment and more modern technologies. On the side of Toyota, in turn, are such eternal values as comfort and reputation. What is more important is up to you.
Having won the battle on best car Korean business class, Kia Optima rapidly continued to move forward. Thus, having debuted the fourth generation in 2015, Optima can safely compete with the world representatives of this segment, and it has a good chance to be called the best. Do you agree with this Volkswagen Passat? Now we will find out.
The first to appear on the arena is the "formidable" German representative of the business class Volkswagen Passat B8. I think right after these words, many motorists who are always true Volkswagen Group, will argue that Optima has absolutely no chance. But let's not rush things ahead of time and return to our "battle".
Finally new Volkswagen Passat begins to systematically displace its predecessors - the B7 models. Now the updated Passat has ceased to be boring and has become a truly “predatory” car.
Having retained the barely noticeable outlines from its predecessor, the car on the new platform looks nice on the outside. It has well-developed body lines, headlights, the ends of which are harmoniously connected to the stamping of the hood, as well as a proprietary grille and a modified front bumper, they really look quite dynamic.
Apart from appearance car, strongly clings to its interior. As always, a German-style interior, with excellent quality finishing materials. The front panel is good not only in appearance, but also to the touch. The central display pleases with the saturation of the image and the clarity of work. Below it is a three-zone climate control panel. Everything works quickly, in a timely manner, and there was no backlash in the “twists”.
The driver's instrument panel in this generation has become electronic and multifunctional. Now there is no need to use switches in order to display the desired indicator, for example, such as street temperature, fuel consumption, etc. Now such information is placed in separate places of the panel and is displayed constantly, and in itself on-board computer you can display the image from the navigation system, trip computer data and much more.
The steering wheel, sheathed in soft leather, just asks for your hands, and the buttons and paddle shifters located on it pleasantly fit under your fingers. The seats are comfortable with high-quality upholstery and a wide range of adjustments will not let the body get tired on long trips. In the rear row of seats, there is more than enough legroom for passengers. It will be inconvenient only for those who sit in the middle, as it will be great to interfere with the massive and high central tunnel with climate controls in the rear of the car. And the side curtains of the two rear doors and three comfortable headrests create good comfort and a certain zest for the Volkswagen Passat.
We pass to our second participant - Kia Optima. The new, fourth generation of Optima still looks "menacing" and leaves a pleasant impression with its updated exterior.
The head optics, the front bumper and the recesses for the foglights have changed. Now the car looks even more harmonious, so that Kia's appearance is not so far behind its rival. And what about the salon?
Of course, the interior of Optima looks simpler than Passatovsky, but is in no way inferior in its logic and quality of finishing materials. It is immediately clear that Korean automakers orient the interior of the car to the driver, as evidenced by the central panel deployed to the driver's seat.
Yes, the central display is smaller, but it shows the same quality and pleases with speed. The central deflectors are symmetrical, unlike the Passat, it seems that the central right deflector stretches to the end of the torpedo. Convenient adjustment system air conditioner and the central tunnel, where in the front of the car it is in the anatomical position under right hand the gearbox selector is located, and to the right it has a roomy niche for every small thing. And the Passat was limited in this place only to cup holders. The steering wheel is now trimmed with leather, and the steering buttons are located really conveniently than in previous versions. The instrument panel flaunts a standard backlight in white and red. As before, it is well readable and convenient, only now the developers seem to have brought a small “marafet”, making it even more pleasing to the eye.
The front seats are comfortable, of high quality and equipped with the necessary adjustments, allowing you to fully customize the driver's seat for yourself. The downside was the side support pillows, which are too far apart, but there is a rather rare function - ventilation of the front seats, which Volkswagen cannot boast of. I was pleased with the rear row of seats: there are more than enough places, and the central tunnel does not get under your feet. Even if the front seats move as far back as possible, there will still be enough space behind.
Compared to the Passat, Kia's rear visibility is much worse, but thanks to the rear-view camera with the ability to adjust the viewing angle, this drawback is not at all depressing. It is also worth noting that the panoramic roof of Optima "ate" the space above his head, so a tall enough person will rest against the ceiling, which cannot be said about the consequences of speed bumps, especially at high speed.
Let's move on to the most painstaking topic - the engine and suspension. Volkswagen Passat B8 is equipped with a TSI engine with a displacement of 1.8 liters and 180 hp. and a seven-speed DSG gearbox, and a Kia Optima with a 2.4-liter engine, 188 hp. and a six-speed automatic.
Well, the dynamics of the Passat with its 180-horsepower engine is amazing. The maximum torque is reached at low revs and the car from the start literally "tears" all participants in the movement. Not without the merit of the “robot”, which clearly and on time shifts gears. And the consumption was a pleasant surprise - 9 liters in the city, and 5 on the highway! Noise isolation and handling at altitude. With an increase in speed, the steering effort also increases, and on sharp turns there is a good Feedback and small rolls.
The suspension of the new platform has become more energy-intensive and allows you to confidently drive through any bumps without fear of “breaking through” it.
The Kia engine has moderate traction and, together with a six-speed automatic, is in no way suitable for active driving, and if you try to squeeze “all the juice out of it”, then the standard mixed consumption from 11 liters will grow into all 15. I was pleased that the Koreans know how to learn from mistakes. If in previous generations the sound insulation was simply disgusting, and the suspension was low energy-intensive, then everything in this car has reached a new level. While driving, the cabin is quiet, and the bumps in the road are “filtered” just fine. The only thing, of course, with fairly deep potholes, you have to slow down.
Summing up, of course, Volkswagen wins this “battle”, surpassing its eastern competitor in design and driving performance. But! By including the “pricing policy” item here, the Passat will turn out to be too expensive, and in this case the Optima will cost much less when buying and servicing. Not to say that Kia has gone far back. The Koreans did their best, and I think the next generation will still be able to give “heat” to their competitors.
The very best Mazda6 and the top Kia Optima. Both with turbo engines. Which one is more talented?
Comparing the appearance of "Mazda" with her age, one involuntarily recalls the fairy tale about rejuvenating apples. The Japanese car looks painfully fresh and bright at the age of six, which is quite mature by automotive standards. Connoisseurs will rightly note the two restylings that have taken place in her life. It was business. But these events did not touch the foundations of the original work of designer Akira Tamani, but only slightly retouched the facade of the heroine.
Here the interior and technology have changed more significantly. During the latest upgrade of the Six, the Japanese not only thoroughly redrawn its interior, but also held a number of events to improve sound insulation and smooth running.
Motors and prices
In addition to these improvements, motor range sedan appeared known to us 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. At the same time, atmospheric units did not leave their homes. Truth with little demand on Russian market version with a manual, it was decided to leave. The machine that appeared on the 150-horsepower base modification raised the minimum price for a car to 1,498,000 rubles. Surcharge for a faster 2.5 engine with a return of 194 hp. today is 184 thousand rubles.The turbo engine added dynamics and comfort to the Japanese car, but not anger.
We have on the agenda a new option with 231-horsepower 2.5 turbo. For such a sedan, they ask for a minimum of 2,244,000 rubles. However, even the status of the top-end configuration does not prevent Mazda marketers from offering metallic coloring, all-round cameras, an extended set of electronic systems driver assistance and navigator. In the end it ran 2 410 100 rubles.