The city car class might be made up of small cars, but it is big business for manufacturers. Truth be told, we don’t all need big cars and for many residing within the urban sprawl, something that gets you from A to B whilst being easy to park is a godsend. Kia, over the years, has flourished into a keen contender within the automotive arena. Its wide range starts with the little Picanto and extends all the way up to the 7 seat Sorento. The time has come for the all-new 2017 Kia Picanto to make its debut in Italy where we have come to be amongst the first to sample this compact contender.

Well, somebody certainly put a firecracker under the designers desk whilst drawing this one! Sat next to its predecessor, of which appears reserved and polite, this new car has real attitude. Squat but broad, angry yet composed, a big character but in a small package. The wide “Tiger Nose” grill bridges the gap between intricate raked headlights. This being the top specification car it wears a set of sharp 16 inch alloy wheels and a chromed exhaust tip. Sure, it has that classic box form factor of all city cars, but the overall aesthetic is one that you wouldn’t mistake for another.

Inside the 2017 Kia Picanto GT Line S shares the same seemingly magical trait of the TARDIS, in that “it is bigger on the inside”. For most cars in this class the cabin is a tricky subject, but the Picanto has been intelligently packaged. Front and rear passengers enjoy good headroom with legroom for the rearmost being respectable also. Even the middle occupant needn’t straddle a hump in the floor. Surprisingly boosted two toned seats make themselves at home in the front, as does Kia’s ergonomic touchscreen infotainment system. Alas, those traditional scratchy plastics can be found throughout the interior. That is a shame because other than that the Picanto isn’t a bad place to spend time. Redemption is to be found in a class leading 255 litre boot that can grow to 1,010 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Clearly the 2017 Kia Picanto GT Line S is big on practicality.

This little car has a few engine choices of which can be plumbed in. First up is a 66 BHP 1.0 litre and that is fine for pottering about town, but does feel a bit lacking at speed. Coming soon is a 99 BHP turbocharged three cylinder of which sounds very promising indeed! However, we are testing the 1.25 litre four cylinder naturally aspirated unit that churns out 83 BHP and 122Nm of torque. It is clearly no Ferrari with a 0-60 MPH time of 11.3 seconds, but it is brisk enough and the power band is pleasingly broader than the entry level motor. The 1.25 is much happier on the motorway than its sibling. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 5 speed manual transmission. Said gearbox has a nice short throw but a slight notchy feeling at times. What really stood out for me was this Picanto’s steering. Kia has come a very long way and this car provides the most promising evidence yet that the brand is listening to feedback. Whilst it could possess a bit more feel, the weighting is sensible and inputs are met with a precise response. It was rather rewarding being able to place this pint-sized Picanto exactly where I wanted it on twisting mountain roads. Having the wheels pushed to the very edge of each corner is a plus for handling. There is some body roll but also more grip than you might expect. Stir the gearbox and let its engine rev, the fun is to be found in maintaining momentum through the bends. Obviously most owners won’t be driving their example with anywhere near this much vigour, so you will be pleased to know that we took it to some busy Italian towns too. The ride on the whole is good, larger alloy wheels on the GT Line S do make it firmer, but the standard car soaks up imperfections very well. Visibility is positive and top specification models are further improved with a rear reversing camera. It is an easy thing to drive in a crowded space and feels at home in the hustle of urban life. Kia claims that this example emits 106g/km of CO2 and returns 61 MPG combined.

Prices of the new car start from £9,450 and if you want this top specification 2017 Kia Picanto GT Line S it is £13,950. Kia should be rather pleased with their work as the baby of the range certainly gives other manufacturers something to think about.

The post Review: 2017 Kia Picanto GT Line S appeared first on Inside Lane.

Life is full of pleasant little surprises, don’t you think? Those times where something unexpectedly makes you smile are often the things that help you through a challenging day. I am sure you are all familiar with the quirky Kia Soul of which offers an alternative flavour of hatchback. The new 2017 Kia Soul Sport is just as individual as the car on which it is based, but in this new guise it proved to indeed be a surprise.

Retaining its attitude of breaking the mould, this boxy profile is unlike anything in the car park at the moment. Short overhangs, tall stance, a raked windscreen, it makes a statement. The rounded edges to the design gives it a post-modern feel as opposed to something that was drawn with an Etch-A-Sketch. Large headlights and intricate rear lighting signatures detail this alien craft. Our Sport model finished in a sobering metallic grey actually looked rathe polished. This car receives reworked bumpers, 18 inch alloy wheels, and a neat red pinstripe running along its skirting.

The interior, whilst clearly belonging to a car, has elements that could also double as modern art installations. The speakers sit atop towering vents as the door speakers change colour like some form of technicolour jellyfish. More unconventional shapes can be found throughout making for a cabin that couldn’t belong to anything else. A large touchscreen infotainment display offers everything from DAB radio, phone connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. Kia’s user interface is clean and ergonomic. A pair of more sporting heated leather seats host the front occupants whilst rear passengers take full advantage of utilitarian shape the Kia Soul Sport provides. Ample head and leg room, with the addition of heated seats, makes of a comfortable place to sit. A glass panoramic sunroof floods the interior with sunlight, boosting that airy feel. The 354 litre boot expands to a highly usable 994 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Under the bonnet is a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine of which produces 201 BHP and 265Nm of torque. Those numbers place it firmly into the warm hatchback category and a 0-62 MPH time of 7.5 seconds further backs that up. Performance makes its way to the ground via a 7 speed DCT automatic transmission and the front wheels. It doesn’t take a genius to add a little bit of extra spice to a mainstream model, but the big surprise was that this 2017 Kia Soul Sport is actually a really enjoyable little thing to grab by the scruff of its neck. Considering its hight, the Soul is remarkably resistant to body roll thanks to a stiffer suspension setup. The steering could do with a bit more communication, but it is accurate making it easy to place. Select Sport Mode and the steering weight increases as does the throttle response. Keen turn-in is followed by plenty of grip and a good slug of torque when accelerating out of a bend. It isn’t the worlds fastest machine, but it is fun aiming to maintain that momentum through a series of sweeping bends. The aforementioned gearbox appears to know what it is doing too, accurately selecting ratios and engaging them quickly. Once the turbo was spooled up I did find myself with a grin on my face. In a more everyday environment the Kia Soul is still a good allrounder, however, the ride is notably firmer. Ruts in the road make themselves known as the reduced suspension travel results in a pronounced thud. Visibility is positive in every direction apart from the narrow rear window, but that is remedied with the reversing camera on this car. Its compact size makes it easy to park as does the light steering. It is quite happy to sit on a motorway with the cruise control taking care of business, and there is enough get up an go to make positive overtaking progress. Obviously there is notable wind noise due to the cars blunt surfaces, but it does the job if longer journeys are required. Kia claim 40.9 MPG combined.

The 2017 Kia Soul Sport may well be a bit of an oddball, but sometimes that left field choice is exactly what you are looking for. This car can be a difficult thing to define… Warm hatch? Compact SUV? MPV? 4th dimensional being? One thing that we do know for sure is that we rather like it. £23,250 gets you this latest addition to the Soul family.

The post Review: 2017 Kia Soul Sport appeared first on Inside Lane.

The notion of a Plug-in Electric Hybrid Vehicle is a simple enough concept to understand, but actually a very difficult one to master in reality. To marry combustion with battery power makes a lot of sense when confronting that dreaded range anxiety, yet in reality the execution is rarely seamless. We like the new Optima and so it makes for a good place to start in regards to Kia’s first model of this type. How does the 2017 Kia Optima PHEV do out on the road?

Whilst some hybrid and electric vehicles kick and scream about their environmental credentials with space age design, the Optima takes a more reserved approach. Looking broadly similar to the model on which it is based, the PHEV makes a few aerodynamic modifications. The “Tiger Nose” grill is now shrouded and sits above a much cleaner front bumper. Subtle blue trim has been added along its length, but other than a set of more aerodynamic alloy wheels, it looks near identical to a standard Optima. Conclusion? This very much appeals to those who want their car to look like a car, and not something from the year 2054.

Just because this car has environmental credentials doesn’t mean that occupants have to live in poverty. There is just one trim level and it comes fully loaded with toys. Heated leather seats, DAB radio, cruise control, heated steering wheel, duel zone climate control, and a touchscreen infotainment system all feature. The front seats might not offer much in the way of side bolstering, but they are comfortable. Much like the exterior, the interior mimics the the regular Optima, no bad thing, by providing a durable and well built cabin. Rear passengers are supplied with good leg room, however, the sloping roofline does cut down on space for the tallest of passengers. Boot space is slightly smaller than the standard car, this is due to the onboard battery pack, to a still usable 307 litres. A slight practicality gripe some might have with the 2017 Kia Optima PHEV is that the rear bench can not be folded flat.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0 litre petrol engine of which is paired to an electric motor for a total output of 202 BHP and 189lb ft of torque. Traveling in pure electric mode is somewhat blissful as there is very little noise. A sense of tranquility fills the cabin as you quietly hum to your destination. The 2017 Kia Optima PHEV can travel for up to 33 miles in this state of which encompasses the average daily commute. Charging takes 6 hours from a standard household socket or 4 hours from a rapid charger. I found plugging the car in at night no more of an inconvenience than doing the same with my mobile phone. Something else which aids with day-to-day living is the fact that this is a PHEV and so range anxiety does not exist. In its hybrid setting the battery is used to boost performance or run the car when it is most efficient to do so. Regenerative braking tops up the battery when depleted but in the mean time the petrol engine is more than happy to pick up the slack in a more conventional manor. The combination of the two power sources is relatively seamless and the overall feeling when on the move is one of refinement. This car isn’t going to win any awards for an entertaining drive, but a comfortable ride means that it is a nice way to travel from point A to point B. Long journeys are easily consumed with cruise control turned on and if you find yourself being held up by a dawdler, it is at home enough on the M27 to dispose of them. However, if you were to primarily spend lengthy time on the motorway we would strongly recommend the diesel Optima for overall fuel efficiency on such journeys. Kia claim 176 MPG combined, and whilst pretty unattainable in reality, if you can keep the car primarily running on electricity it can do well for itself. 75 MPG is possible without trying very hard.

You might be surprised to know that this 2017 Kia Optima PHEV is actually Kia’s first Plug-in. Considering the numerous hurdles involved in creating such a car, they have produced a commendable initial offering. £33,995 is a fair chunk of change, but then the equipment level is higher than many competitors. In addition, Kia’s unrivalled 7 year warranty might just be enough to seal the deal.

The post Review: 2017 Kia Optima PHEV appeared first on Inside Lane.

I quite often remark upon how far Kia have come over the years. From budget brand to key player in almost every segment, the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. The Kia Rio is a prime example of this as it has experienced this metamorphosis from the beginning. Its first generation was cheap, but unappetising and wasn’t built of the strongest stuff. The next generation began to make an effort in the visuals department. Third generation Rios were taken seriously by competitors as they not only looked the part, but were good value and built well. Now the fourth generation 2017 Kia Rio hits the road in a bid to make life harder for the Ford Fiesta and Skoda Fabia.

Wielding a new very grown-up exterior, this latest B-segment offering has really come of age. A lower and wider profile with rounded edges is detailed with a tasteful level of chrome. The latest iteration of their famed “Tiger Nose” grill stretches between large headlights. Subtle creases along the cars length lead to a short rear overhang. Unique rear lighting clusters possess bold signatures that run horizontally. This specific 2017 Kia Rio is a First Edition model and so rides upon a set of smart 17 inch alloy wheels.

Enter the cabin to find that this First Edition is a sea of two-tone colour. An interesting matte red effect has been applied to the dashboard to contrast other finishes. Said red worked well with the leather heated seats, also two-tone. They are comfortable, but maybe could do with a little more bolstering. The centre console hosts a 7 inch touchscreen infotainment display of which is easy to use and responsive. Moving to the rear bench, this seats five with good head and leg room, even for the middle passenger. There are some scratchy plastics dotted around, but generally speaking, the interior feels well screwed together. Being the top specification car the interior is loaded with toys including things as extravagant as a heated steering wheel. Boot space is a generous 325 litres or 980 litre with the rear seats folded flat.

If you opt for a 2017 Kia Rio First Edition, under the bonnet you will find the most powerful incarnation of the brands 1.0 litre turbocharged 3 cylinder for this car. Producing 118 BHP and 171 Nm of torque in this guise, power is sent to the front wheels via a 6 speed manual transmission. At low speeds the whole experience is rather refined and mirrors the aforementioned mature visuals. The engine is smooth and quiet whilst the control weights are light for ease of urban navigation. Rear visibility is ok, the shallowness of the window is not ideal, but this car is treated to a reversing camera that makes life much easier. On faster roads the increased weighting of the steering adds precision. This Rio isn’t the most engaging car in its class to drive, but it certainly feels competent. There are good levels of grip and only a bit of body roll. On the motorway the 6th gear found in this model, and not on the lesser powered 1 litre, comes into play. The additional ratio means that it does not feel strained at these higher speeds, although penetrative noise does build. It feels stable and reassuring out on the open road. Kia claim 60.1 MPG combined and emissions of 107g/km CO2.

The 2017 Kia Rio reaffirms that the Korean manufacturer is a real contender in todays market. With a fiercely growing customer base, 7 year warranty offered on all cars, and strong products across their range, Kia are a force to be reckoned with. This Rio in particular highlights their progress from budget brand to being a real thorn in competitors sides. Whilst this First Edition car is costly at £17,445 the range does start at a reasonable £11,995. We would strongly recommend a 2 or 3 grade car as they come with good levels of equipment at a reasonable price point.

The post Review: 2017 Kia Rio First Edition appeared first on Inside Lane.

The Kia Niro combines the trending topic of SUVs and combines it with the hybrid class. I think it is fair to say that this car is understated as there are no really bold design features, but for those who don’t feel the need to show off to the neighbours, that won’t be an issue. It still has Kia’s signature grill and also a set of rather intricate LED lighting clusters. Our mid-specification “2” model received a pair of roof rails that contrasted the red paint work. A raised ride hight and short overhangs create those familiar SUV proportions.

Inside the interior has a family focus offering loads of space for everyone. Large windows prevent the interior from feeling dark and promotes an airy ambiance. This trim level really hits the spot as not only is it sensibly priced, but you also get plenty of equipment. A 7 inch touchscreen infotainment display proved responsive and easy to use, and the dual zone air conditioning was a nice bonus. Half leather seats provides a comfortable posts to spend lengthy periods of time. Glossy plastic finishes help lift the cabin and material quality in general is good. Rear head and leg room is spacious with this cars practicality being complimented by a well proportioned 427 litre boot. Fold the rear seats down and that capacity grows to 1,425 litres.

Under the bonnet is a 1.6 litre petrol engine of which is mated to an electric motor and a bank of batteries located under the rear bench. Total output of both combustion and electricity is 139 BHP and 265Nm of torque. Whilst diesel cars might not be as favourable at the moment, they are still the kings of the open road. I clocked a substantial amount of motorway miles in this 2017 Kia Niro and whilst it will happily cruise, the M1 isn’t its natural environment. At higher speeds you loose the economy and the petrol engine doesn’t have the punch for strong overtaking. There is some wind noise, but refinement levels are ok. It’s 6 speed automatic gearbox is reasonably competent when left to its own devises. The Niro makes much more sense in an urban hubbub with stop/start traffic. It can run on electric only for up to three miles, but unlike many hybrids it doesn’t have selectable modes. This is a good thing as instead of you faffing about, the car works out which method, or combination, of power is most economical. Fellow colleagues have proven that if driven like a Nun, the claimed 74 MPG is possible. Watch as your economy fills a tree representing how well you are driving. Within the infotainment system there is also a means of seeing exactly how the car is propelling itself along. Call me a geek, but I found it fascinating as it cycled though regeneration under breaking and switching between how it decided to drive the wheels. When just using electric power a sense of tranquility sets in and it is rather relaxing. However, when the petrol engine contributes its introduction is not the most subtle. Through small streets the Kia Niro feels agile, and with light control weighting, it is an easy drive. Parking is also made stress free thanks to a reversing camera.

The 2017 Kia Niro might not be the most complete car on sale today, but for those who spend much of their time in traffic or buzzing about town, it is certainly food for thought. 88g\km CO2 means that the cost of tax is one less problem in your day. Our test car at £22,795 with equipment such as Lane Keep Assist coming as standard, represents pretty good value. On top of the generous toys, there is also a 7 year manufacturer backed warranty.

The post Review: 2017 Kia Niro appeared first on Inside Lane.

Having a strong and dependable family car is important. The job is no small endeavour and said vehicle needs to be relied upon for the school run, taking the dog to the vet, shopping, commuting, popping to the post office, and even taking shelter from our British weather. A broad range of abilities is the minimum expectation. The 2017 Kia Optima Sportswagon steps up to the mark.

Kia’s design language has evolved over the years and is now at a point where every car in the range has a premium look about it. The brand should be commended once again as this new Sportswagon is another success delivered by their design team. Estate cars aren’t particularly sexy to look at, but this car is highly polished and features that now instantly recognisable “tiger nose” grill. In top specification GT-Line S trim, our test car possessed a set of smart 18 inch alloy wheels. Intricate lighting signatures and a prominent set of vertically stacked grills are highly distinguishable, particularly in a sea of conservative rivals.

The interior not only sports good quality materials, they feel durable. A sense that the car is well screwed together is not only beneficial to peace of mind, but also means it should do well when faced with the riggers of family life. Something else that is crucial in the Sportswagon recipe is space. The cabin has bags of it seating five with good head and leg room for all. A full length glass panoramic roof fills the cabin with light and can also be opened on summer days. The centre console receives an 8 inch touchscreen display equipped with navigation, phone connectivity, and DAB radio. A wireless phone charger, found just below, is a smart feature and shows that Kia has its finger on the pulse when it comes to tech. There is also heated leather seats for four of five passengers. Boot space is 522 litres or 1,686 litres with the rear seats down. Our example also had a neat luggage seatbelt to prevent smaller items from sliding about in the vastness of space.

Powering this 2017 Kia Optima Sportswagon is the well received 1.7 litre diesel engine of which we have tested in a number of other models. Producing 139 BHP and a hefty 340Nm of torque, it has the potential to be a great motorway hauler. Once up to speed engine noise is muted and the whole experience is rather refined. The larger alloy wheels will obviously impact the ride more than their smaller counterparts, but that said, the suspension does a respectable job of dealing with road imperfections. The control weights are light resulting in a drive that it isn’t taxing to drive in the slightest. Visibility is good, but our revising camera made parking this long vehicle easier. Whilst the 2017 Kia Optima Sportswagon acquits itself well in an urban environment, it excels out on faster stretches. The torque from the diesel engine makes accelerating effortless and Kia’s own excellent 7 speed automatic gearbox is quick to respond. A lack of steering feel means that it isn’t the most fun on a twisting B-road, but there is loads of grip on offer. Taking this car to its natural habitat, the motorway, highlights just how brilliant the SW is at clocking up the miles. Set the cruise control and let this car take the strain. Sink a little deeper into your heated seat and bathe in the tranquility. I genuinely feel that you could get out of this car after a 4 hour drive and feel no worse for wear. It shouldn’t be a burden on your wallet either as 61 MPG combined is claimed.

Kia are really causing trouble for many manufacturers that people often default to. Not only do cars like this 2017 Kia Optima Sportswagon offer a competent package, but they are also good value for money. You can have one of these from £22,995 and even the entry car is well equipped. On top of that, factor in the brands unrivalled 7 year manufacturer warranty. There is a reason why Kia is growing so positively… Much of it is to do with having products as strong as this Sportswagon.

The post Review: 2017 Kia Optima Sportswagon GT-Line S appeared first on Inside Lane.

Looking at the 2016 Kia Sportage next to its predecessor clearly shows this car to be a revolution and not an evolution. Whilst still retaining recognisable Sportage DNA, the new car has a stylish focus that is much more premium. Kia’s unique “tiger nose” grill and a set of raked headlights present the new family face. Short overhangs, and stout proportions gives the car a chunky demeanour and a purposeful stance. As I am sure many of you can see, it is tattooed across the door, that this is a First Edition car which means it has all of the toys. Externally you don’t just get the stripes, but also these larger 19 inch alloy wheels which look great.

The interior provides a spacious area for occupants. This is further amplified by our test cars full length panoramic roof which is also able to letting in those summer breezes. Rear passengers will find themselves with excess to stretch out as even the tallest of passengers fit neatly in the back. That middle seat isn’t so much a “short straw” option as a low transmission tunnel means there is somewhere to put your feet. Moving forwards, the driver is treated to a high driving position and, because this is the First Edition, every toy under the sun. Heated and cooled leather seats, dual zone climate control, JBL premium audio system, park assist, reversing camera, wireless phone charger, and the list goes on. A nice responsive ergonomic 8 inch touch screen display provides infotainment. Cabin quality is good with materials promoting a sense of durability, and in this top spec car, a touch of luxury. A large 491 litre boot is all yours, but fold those rear seats flat and that extends to a vast 1,480 litres.

All 2016 Kia Sportage First Edition cars are equipped with a 2.0 litre diesel engine and all wheel drive. It is a strong unit producing 182 BHP and 295lb ft of torque. Whilst this SUV doesn’t move as the Porsche that inspired its stripes, it never feels lacking. This engine does grumble a bit under load but settles down once up to speed. Power is sent to the ground via an automatic gearbox which is generally ok, but it is not as quick to respond as Kia’s new 7 speed dual clutch box found on other engine options. On a motorway this Sportage is a great cruiser and with lane keep assist and cruse control activated, it practically drives itself. Long journeys soon pass by and you arrive comfortable thanks to those accommodating seats. Leaving the motorway for B-roads, the high levels of grip this car affords is immediately notable. AWD also means that you are well equipped if the weather takes a turn for the worse. There is a bit of body roll and the steering could do with some more weighting, but overall the car handles itself rather well. The ride is capable of softening the bumps of our often lumpy roads, but we would advise smaller alloy wheels for the best refinement. That light steering is useful around town as the Sportage never feels cumbersome. Good all around visibility means that it is easy to live with and never really feels like a big car.

The 2016 Kia Sportage is a very well executed family machine. It combines practicality with good looks and a seemingly unbeatable 7 year 100,000 mile warranty. There is one hiccup with this specific Sportage though… It costs £31,650 which is a lot of money, even if it is good value for all of the kit loaded onto this special edition. The model to go for in our eyes is the KX-2 as it comes with plenty of equipment such as a 7 inch touch screen and reversing camera, but it starts as a competitive £20,500. Tick the box for that new 1.7 litre diesel engine and you are on to a winner. In that specification I have no doubt that this car could achieve 4.5 stars. Why? Because the 2016 Kia Sportage is arguably the best in its class.

The post Review: 2016 Kia Sportage First Edition appeared first on Inside Lane.

Have you ever looked at your living room and wished you had a bit more space? Or at your garage thinking it is just a tad smaller than you would like? Wanting more space is nothing unusual, and the same goes for our cars. Having a reliable daily driver for the family is one thing, but one that ticks the above boxes with the added bonus of being able to swallow a fridge is certainly appealing. This is the 2016 Kia Cee’d Sportswagon and it builds upon the success of its hatchback brother, but in estate form.

It certainly looks appealing, don’t you think? The profile has adapted well to its new proportions and is arguably even better looking than the hatchback. With a slightly raked profile from nose to tail, and the chromed detailing found on this GT Line model, the grown-up demeanour of this car is embroidered with detail. Kia’s signature grill sits above a set of rather funky “ice cube” style LED lights. 17 inch alloy wheels fill the arches and add a sophisticated dose of style.

The interior of any family car is important as this is where you and your loved ones will be spending  time. It is good news for the Kia as the interior is well built and generally a comfortable place to be. GT Line cars receive a set of supportive seats with contrasting details. A 7 inch touchscreen display takes care of everything from media to navigation utilising an ergonomic system. The back seats are happy to facilitate everyone from youngsters, to tall adults thanks to good head and leg room. When it comes to the boot the 2016 Kia Cee’d Sportswagon excels. 528 litre is a plentiful amount of space but the floor also incorporates multiple cubby holes for further storage. Drop the back seats and 1,642 litre is more than enough for even the most ambitious of trips to Ikea.

Under the bonnet of our test car is a 1.6 litre diesel engine with 134 BHP, however, the real headline is the 7 speed dual clutch automatic gearbox that it is paired with. IT IS FANTASTIC! Just like the Kia Optima we tested the other week, this auto box is made by Kia and honestly shames plenty of its rivals. When left to its own devises it seems to know exactly the right ratio for the situation, but take control via the wheel mounted paddle shifters and it is responsive. Slick changes every time means that this is an option box you should consider ticking. Whilst the engine under load makes itself known, the 300Nm of torque it provides low in its rev range makes for strong initial momentum building. If is no F1 car by any means, but its pace is suitable for everyday motoring. The noise dissipates at speed and with the smooth gearbox at work motorway driving is accomplished with ease. It is the sort of car that is just very happy to do the donkey work if needs be, and nobody inside will be complaining about discomfort. Detour from the motorway and onto a more scenic route and you will find this 2016 Kia Cee’d Sportswagon to be quite a reassuring thing to pilot. Body control is good and so you won’t find yourself listing like a wooden ship around bends, and also there is a very comforting amount of grip available. However, rivals such as the Ford Focus do offer much more involvement behind the wheel. The main culprit of this is Kia’s three mode steering which changes the weighting. Personally I think all three modes are too light and there isn’t enough feedback through the wheel to make this a threat to rivals in terms of handling. That said, how many traditional Cee’d customers are you going to see calving up apexes? Put the car back into a more natural environment such as the city and the light steering does make for an easy machine to operate. Visibility is very good all around, but our Sportswagon also came with a reversing camera so there was no excuse for parking badly. In the stop start traffic the automatic again proved to be the ideal tool for the job. As for fuel economy Kia claim 67.3 MPG combined.

This brand is really making some bold statements with their product portfolio. The 2016 Kia Cee’d Sportswagon is another right hook to those who would rather have this marketplace all to themselves. You can have this estate from £15,850 which is rather good value, or our smart looking GT spec car from £22,330. Factor in a 7 year 100,000 mile warranty and you can see how Kia are calving quite the name in this arena.

The post Review: 2016 Kia Cee’d Sportswagon GT Line appeared first on Inside Lane.

Looks very executive doesn’t it? Cover the Kia badges and ask friends what they think it is, as I did, and you might be surprised as to the premium names that are presented as answers. With a wide chromed grill and raked headlights, it presents a rather professional face. This upmarket look continues in such details as the wrap-around rear lights and polished exhaust tip. Our test car is the fully loaded “Optima 4” and so features these very smart 18 inch alloy wheels. Whilst the 2016 Kia Optima might look proportionally similar to its predecessor, this all new model is longer and wider. Finished in this very dark blue, the car looked great.

The interior not only has a cavernous amount of space on offer, but it is loaded with just about every toy you can imagine. Dual zone climate control, heated and cooled leather seats, wireless phone charger, heated rear seats, more cameras than you can shake a stick at, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and an 8 inch touch screen infotainment display to name just a few. In fact, the dual zone air con, a 7 inch touch screen, and reversing camera all come as standard. A full length glass panoramic roof ,which also opens, allows plenty of light into the cabin. The fit and finish suggests strong build quality. In the back not only will you find a plentiful supply of head and leg room, but also privacy blinds. A large 510 litre boot boasts more than enough space for luggage.

This 2016 Kia Optima was endowed with a 1.7 litre diesel engine producing 139 BHP. Our test car also had Kia’s new 7 speed dual clutch automatic transmission, and I have to say that this combination was impressive. Under load the diesel engine may be a bit grumbly, but once up to speed it quietens down. The gearbox swiftly dished out appropriate cogs in a manner that is almost undetectable even when under scrutiny. A good test of how fast the changes are is found when selecting manual mode and using the wheel mounted paddle shifters. Instant responses are the fruits of this brands hard work. Over 340 Nm of torque low in the rev range means that the 2016 Kia Optima surges onwards when requested. On the motorway, where most of these cars will spend their lives, the car feels refined with little in the way of road and wind noise penetrating the cabin. Set lean keep assist in tandem with active cruise control and it practically drives itself. All you need to worry about is how hot or cold your seat should be. On more lively roads the Kia is not the most dynamic car in its class. Whilst the steering is an improvement, it does lack some feel. Body control is ok, but it’s biggest problem is that there are keener cars to drive that rival it. However, most buyers won’t be throwing their saloon around on country roads, and in every other respect it gives those same rivals a run for their money. With a camera mounted at just about every angle, parking and navigating the Optima through urban environments is no problem at all. Its ride is just a touch firm at low speeds, likely not helped by the large alloy wheels of this model and the dilapidated state of British roads, but at cruising speed it smooths out. Kia claim a pleasing 64 MPG combined.

The 2016 Kia Optima really starts to make sense when you crunch the numbers. Although the entry level cars £21,895 cost is similar to competitors, factor in the vast amount of standard equipment and the value starts to become clear. This is amplified by the top specification car as equally equipped alternatives tend to cost much more. The Kia Optima isn’t the last word in terms of an involving drive, but it does a damn fine job of being a more premium family saloon. A 7 year 100,000 mile warranty might just seal the deal.

The post Review: 2016 Kia Optima 4 appeared first on Inside Lane.

Addressing the most striking thing about this car, the way it looks, it is indeed a “love it or hate it” deal. It is certainly unusual, but then so is the arguably funky Kia Soul on which this EV is based. A squared off profile plays host to intricate light clusters and a two-tone paint scheme. For aerodynamic efficiency edges have been smoothed, wider spokes close up the wheels, and the grill is totally absent. It does look futuristic and throughout my time with the 2016 Kia Soul EV I was continually answering questions about the car every time I parked. Personally I like the way this EV looks, especially in this Caribbean Blue.

The interior of the Soul EV is quite minimalist, but thanks to the cube-like exterior shape, there is plenty of space inside. Whilst the beige dashboard of our test car contrasted with the much more interesting exterior, the console was finished in gloss white. Considering this car has the environment as a key factor in its design, the cabin doesn’t go without its creature comforts. Dual zone climate control, heated seats, a large 8 inch touchscreen display, DAB radio, they all find a home here. There is a function that heats just the drivers area of the cabin if that is the only occupant, which a neat way to save some electricity. The rear bench offers plenty of head and leg room for passengers. A 281 litre boot is a good size and useful underfloor compartments are ideal for storing charging cables.

Let’s get the numbers bit out of the way first because maths, whilst important, is a bit boring. Kia claim that the Soul EV has a range of “up to” 132 miles which is great. However, things such as temperature alter how much charge the battery is willing to take. In the real world and UK climate early in the year we managed to get the car to 83 miles at 100% charge. Whilst that is less than officially claimed, 83 miles is still pretty good considering day-to-day use. And that is a genuine 83 miles whereby the car does a mile for every mile displayed, unlike some rivals that are overly optimistic. Using one of the many fast charging stations that are appearing on motorways can charge from nothing to 80% in about 30 minutes. Slower stations, usually found in supermarkets, are ideal for a top-up whilst you go about your business. Plug the car into a standard electric socket at home over night and you will be good to go by the morning. When first driving the 2016 Kia Soul EV the silence is highly unusual, creepy almost, but you soon immerse yourself in the tranquility of driving an electric car. The cabin is well insulated from road and wind noise adding to the peace behind the wheel. Around town this EV is easy to drive with good all around visibility and light steering. However, it’s three mode steering is not weighty enough at higher speeds. I am sure you weren’t expecting the Kia Soul to be a Lotus Elise, clearly it is not, but the low centre of gravity from the batteries mean there is less body roll than you might expect. Moving the drive selector into a position marked “B” engages a high rate of regenerative braking. In this state the car can recover energy that would otherwise be lost through braking more keenly. Taking this car out of its perceived comfort zone and onto a motorway may challenge your expectations. It is composed, relatively quiet, and comfortable. Obviously at higher speeds the Soul EV will get through its battery faster, but this electric car is by no means confined to urban environments.

Many people see charging an electric car as an inconvenience, but imagine this scenario… Your commute to work and back each day totals about 30 miles (less for most people) and you need a few extra miles to pop to the shops. If you charged the car overnight for a very small sum every two days, the 2016 Kia Soul EV starts to make a lot of sense as a family car. Ok, for those longer weekend trips involving hours on the motorway you might need to plan a stop or two to do a fast charge, but do a quick cost benefit analysis and see if it can work for you.

The 2016 Kia Soul EV still qualifies for the full UK government grant and costs from £24,195.

The post Review: 2016 Kia Soul EV appeared first on Inside Lane.