This all-new Kia mid-sizer ramps up performance and polish, for a price.

WHAT IS IT? The second-generation Kia Optima. It’s an all-new platform and body, and it’s completely fresh inside. It shares its mechanicals with the Hyundai Sonata but brings Kia flair and loads of standard equipment.

WHY WE’RE DRIVING IT This is our first drive of the new Optima in Australia. And that’s especially relevant for a Kia, as the Korean maker continues to tune the suspension on its Australian-delivered cars for local conditions, with the aim of delivering the optimum ride on our rough and ready roads.

Kia -Optima -GT-front

There are now two trim levels. The $33,490 Optima Si is the price leader, aimed primarily at fleets, pragmatists and pencil-pushers. The step up to the Optima GT we’re driving here is an eyebrow raising $10K, which makes the $43,990 GT is the most expensive Optima ever offered.

Kia -Optima -side

It ought to be, as the 2.0T-GDI engine is available in Sonata Elite for $36,990 with the same packaging and roominess. The new Optima’s 2805mm wheelbase is 10mm longer than before, resulting in masses of rear-seat space for easy six-foot passenger comfort, and a 510-litre boot holding a full-size alloy spare.

Kia -Optima -GT-interior -steering -wheel

On the road, the Optima GT shows dabs of talent, yet it doesn’t quite pull it all together.

The 180kW turbo donk is responsive, if a little gruff when pushed, and if you select the ‘Sport’ Drive Mode, the GT’s throttle pedal is far too toey and difficult to modulate. Best leave it in ‘Normal’ mode and enjoy crisper steering too.

The engine is reasonably quiet around town – where the Optima offers good overall refinement – and while the auto is also a little slow at getting it all together, its smoothness is admirable.

Kia -Optima -GT-interior -seats

The body control, however, isn’t. That high-speed ride may be a plus, but a larger bump will see the Optima GT feel a bit spongy, and quick changes of direction aren’t its forte.

Does that mean the Optima GT doesn’t make the cut? No. While it lacks the chassis talent and overall polish of VW’s new Passat, the biggest Kia makes huge strides in the areas of perceived quality, safety, and luxury.

SPECS Model: 2016 Kia Optima GT Engine: 1998cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v, turbo Power: 180kW@6000rpm Torque: 350Nm@1400-4000rpm Transmission: 6-speed automatic Weight: 1650kg 0-100km/h: 9.5sec (est) Fuel economy: 8.5L/100km Price: $43,990 On sale: Now