From generation to generation Skoda Superb It is becoming larger and larger, so as not to lose its leadership in the class in terms of space and trunk volume. So the current generation of the model has significantly increased in size. The length has increased from 4833 to 4861 mm (+32 mm), and the wheelbase has been stretched from 2761 to 2841 mm (+80 mm). Such an increase, of course, could not but affect the size of the cabin.

Can accept 510 liters of cargo Kia trunk, while the Skoda will fit 625 liters

However, Optima is not lagging behind in this sense. She is one of the closest classmates in size. With the change of generations Korean sedan added another centimeter to the total length and stretched to 4855 mm, and the wheelbase increased from 2795 to 2805 mm (+10 mm).

But it seems that it is these 3.5 cm differences in size wheelbases and played a decisive role. In terms of legroom for rear passengers, the “Korean” is still slightly inferior to the “Czech”. However, it (the difference) is noticeable only after measurements. It is unlikely that you can feel it without being armed with a ruler. You can easily sit cross-legged in both cars, even if your name is Shaquille O’Neal. Another thing is that the sofa itself in the Superb is a little more comfortable.
It's better molded seats and the back is better profiled. Yes, the central passenger will not be very comfortable due to the high tunnel, but the Optima also has one, albeit not so massive.

Optima now pampers customers not only with a fashionable design, but also with high-quality finishing. In the Optima, the rear view camera is available in two trim levels, but the Business has a 5-inch screen, and the Luxury has an 8-inch screen. In terms of space, the “Korean” is slightly inferior to the “Czech”. However, the difference is noticeable only after measurements

The same applies to the front seats. The backrests are well designed in both seats, but in the Optima they still lack lateral support. And the Superb has bolsters, although they are not outstanding in appearance, but they perfectly hold your back even in sharp turns. But that's the advantage Skoda driver are ending. Finding a comfortable driving position is easy in both cars. No serious ergonomic miscalculations were noticed either in the “Czech” or in the “Korean”. Using the multimedia system is easy in both Kia and Skoda, since rivals preach a similar approach to control: the main functions are activated by analogue buttons on the center console, and fine-tuning is carried out within the menu using the touchscreen. The interfaces, by the way, are as simple and understandable as possible.
Volume cargo compartments not small for both cars: 510 liters for Kia and 625 liters for Skoda. But talking about the convenience of loading and unloading large cargo is pointless. Superb – liftback. The fifth door, raised with rear window, much more practical.

Knight's move

However, the owners of these cars often drive behind the wheel rather than in the backseat. Therefore, for many of them, good driving habits are as important as, for example, a spacious interior and large trunk. And here the Skoda Superb offers a much wider choice. We have this car available with three gasoline engines(1.8 TFSI with 180 hp and a 2-liter engine in two versions - 220 and 280 hp) and one diesel, 190 hp 1.9 TDI. There are options with “mechanics”, with a 6- or 7-speed “robot” DSG, mono- and all-wheel drive. But Kia Optima We currently sell it in only one version - with a 1.7-liter turbodiesel engine with a capacity of 141 hp. and a 7-speed “robot” DCT. Combined cycle consumption of 5.1 l/100 km is, of course, great, but this engine is still rather weak for such a respectable car. We got the Superb in the starting petrol version, but this liftback also reaches the first “hundred” in 8 seconds and is generally invigorating. It would be optimal to pit the Optima against the diesel Superb, but even here it would hardly have a chance of winning. Skoda with the 1.9 TDI even promises consumption of 4.1 l/100 km, and the car accelerates to “hundreds” in the same 8 seconds, while Kia requires 11 for this. Not surprising: the torque of the Superb is 400 Nm, available at 1750 rpm, while the Optima peaks at the same mark, but it’s only 340 Nm.

The Superb may be a little boring inside, but the ergonomics are exemplary. The picture from the rear view camera is clear and crisp. However, parking sensors also help the driver. The sofa in the Skoda is slightly more comfortable than in the Kia. It has better molded seats and a better profiled back.

But it's not just about torque. Gearboxes also make an important contribution. Despite the fact that they are very close in design (both test cars were equipped with 7-speed “robots”), in terms of efficiency, there is a clear leader among them. The Koreans still allow the power to get stuck. So the victory again goes to Skoda, although for the sake of fairness it must be emphasized that neither the speed nor the logic of switching of both units raises any complaints.
As for the chassis, in both models the engineers found a good balance between comfort and handling. Yes, in some situations the Skoda seems more composed on the move. But it also gives in to some large irregularities, which, without a twinge of conscience, “swallow” the Kia suspensions.

But steering we liked it better on Superb. The mechanisms of both cars are electric power-assisted, but on the Czech liftback it is calibrated better. The steering wheel is not heavy, but the car's reactions are quick and precise. Yes and feedback quite transparent. While the Kia steering wheel tries not to burden the driver with information about the road surface at all. Even when it would come in handy.

Conclusions

The Optima is slightly inferior to the Superb in almost all respects. But in fairness, we must admit that this lag is tiny. And if, when choosing a car of this class, price is one of the determining factors, but far from being the dominant one, then preference should be given to the Czech liftback. But if the financial issue is especially acute, then you have a direct route to the Kia dealer. There you will be offered “a lot of car” for reasonable money. And its equipment will probably be richer than that of Skoda.

Skoda Superb

Liftback body, spacious back row, large trunk, economical engine, refined driving habits

High tunnel in the second row, harsh ride on some types of surfaces, high cost of options

Kia Optima

High-torque engine, comfortable ride,
nice interior, rich equipment, pleasant price list

* Prices for KIA products. The pricing information contained on the website is for informational purposes only. Prices shown may differ from actual prices from authorized KIA dealers. See your authorized KIA dealer for the latest pricing information on KIA products. The purchase of any KIA product is carried out in accordance with the terms of the individual purchase and sale agreement.

* Prices for KIA products. Information about prices, placed at this website, has only informational purposes. The indicated prices may be different from actual prices of authorized KIA dealers. To receive detailed information on actual prices for KIA products please refer to authorized KIA dealers. Purchase of any of KIA products is made according to provisions of individual sale and purchase contracts.

** Acceleration time data was obtained under reference conditions using special measuring equipment, using reference fuel. Real time acceleration may differ due to the influence of various objective and subjective factors: humidity, pressure and temperature of the ambient air, fractional composition of the fuel used, terrain, characteristics of the road surface, wind direction and speed, precipitation, tire pressure and also their size, brand and model, weight of cargo transported (including driver and passengers) and driving skills. Due to differences in vehicle configurations and requirements for different markets, model specifications may differ from those listed above. Kia reserves the right to make changes to vehicle designs and features without prior notice.

** Fuel consumption data was obtained under standardized conditions using special measuring equipment. Real consumption fuel may differ due to the influence of various objective and subjective factors: humidity, pressure and temperature of the ambient air, fractional composition of the fuel used, terrain, characteristics of the road surface, vehicle speed, wind direction and speed, precipitation, tire pressure and their dimensions, make and model, mass of transported cargo (including driver and passengers) and driving style (frequency and intensity of longitudinal and lateral accelerations, average speed).

*** Obtaining a maximum benefit of 50,000 rubles is possible when purchasing new KIA cars Optima 2019, all trim levels except GT and GT-line official dealers KIA. The maximum benefit is achieved through the following offers: 1) benefits of 50,000 rubles under the Trade-in Program. Limited offer, valid from 12/01/2019 to 12/31/2019. The information presented is for informational purposes only; the proposal is not a public offer (Article 437 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).

**** The cost of a set of “Europa League” accessories (badge; exclusive floor mats; travel kit) for a car is 0 rub. when purchasing a car with OCN: GBPN in the Europa League Special Series configuration. The manufacturer's warranty does not apply to the installed set of Europa League accessories. The offer is limited and is not a public offer (Article 437 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation). Detailed conditions are available from managers at dealership centers.

**** The cost of a set of “Edition Plus” accessories (emblem; exclusive floor mats; travel kit) for a car is 0 rub. when purchasing a car with OCN: GBTV and GBVV in the Special Edition "Edition Plus" configuration. The manufacturer's warranty does not apply to the installed Edition Plus accessory kit. The offer is limited and is not a public offer (Article 437 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation). Detailed conditions are available from managers at dealership centers.

Large sedans in favor at all times - at least here, in Russia. The typical buyer is a man closer to forty, belonging to a wealthy middle class by Russian standards. It’s hard to surprise someone like that, and the demands are high.

The unshakable class leader Toyota Camry underwent restyling a year and a half ago - and confidently won our comparative test (ZR, 2015, No. 4), but the Kia Optima lost it: we complained about the poor ride quality and sound insulation. She also lost in the market war. But it would be foolish to think that hardworking Koreans will accept this state of affairs.

And now we have the new generation Optima. Who can you compare it with if not Camry? The seconds in this duel will be the updated Mazda 6 and Volkswagen Passat B8. All cars have engines with power ranging from 180 to 192 hp. and automatic transmissions.

Unsinkable

The matured Kia Optima is suitable for both lovers of a leisurely, relaxing drive and moderately active drivers.

Toyota Camry is the undisputed leader in the segment, but is no longer young: five years is a serious age by today’s standards. And what gives it away more than anything else is the office-style interior. The build quality is high, but the materials are not the best. The wood-look inserts are immediately recognizable as plastic. Silver-plated metal decor does not add points either. Sand interior color? But this is not snow-white Caribbean sand, but our dear, yellow one, from the Ramensky district near Moscow.

The appearance of a soft driver's seat with widely spaced lateral support bolsters does not cause delight, but it is comfortable to sit in. The steering wheel, covered in rough leather, has an optimal cross-section.

But the scattering of rectangular keys on the front panel and the legendary electronic clock take the car to the distant past.

What can Toyota please you with? Good visibility - no cameras needed (although there is a rear one) or others electronic assistants. And also spacious back row with a low central tunnel: passengers are delighted.

The engine and gearbox work smoothly. Petrol 2.5‑liter “four” with a capacity of 181 hp. the one and a half ton sedan confidently pulls throughout the entire rev range - albeit without a spark. The six-speed automatic transmission is a little thoughtful, but it changes gears extremely smoothly and imperceptibly. The frankly empty and longest steering wheel in our quartet (three turns from lock to lock) does not bring any excitement.

Camry is not for fast turns. She's for calm ride. A straight track, measured acceleration - this is her element. Good sound insulation (only weak aerodynamic noise makes its way into the cabin) only emphasizes the sedateness of the car. And the main trump card is smoothness. Small things dissolve somewhere in the shock absorbers and silent blocks, and large things respond only with a smooth rocking of the stern. So calm, just calm!

Kia Optima is trying to take revenge for last year's defeat. Mazda 6, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat are categorically against it.

What about Japanese car, then it almost always enjoyed enviable popularity among domestic buyers. Just recently, the Korean equivalent of the KIA Optima took aim at his leadership qualities, which, by the way, looks like quite a worthy competitor, capable of pushing the Japanese off the pedestal. Despite this, the Japanese are also not asleep, and are ready to offer new version Camry.

Impeccable sedan

Ratings and sales

At the beginning of the 2000s, many large automobile corporations built their factories in Russia and tried to stay on the domestic market as long as possible. However Japanese company, took a slightly different path. While most companies produced exclusively compact versions of crossovers, the Japanese company decided to launch Camry. And looking ahead, it should be noted that we took absolutely 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. Just a few years ago, Camry was sold in approximately the same volumes as all cars in its class combined. For example, in 2017, more than 28 thousand cars were sold. This is an incredibly high figure, considering that the cars are, to put it mildly, expensive.

Korean sedan

• At the moment, Camry has gotten rid of its rather fluffy body, which has already become quite boring for many users. The exterior began to look in a sporty style, which is not bad.
• As for the Optima, it is the only car of his brand, which he received, are so large in size. Besides, ride quality, here also at its best.

Over the past few months, the demand for Korean cars has increased, Russians bought almost 13 thousand cars. Such interest in Korean car, can be explained by the fact that now it has received a much brighter design, and the pricing policy has become more lenient.

Engine and transmission

As for the American Camry car market, there is an opportunity to purchase updated engines, which have not been used until now. For the Russian consumer, things are somewhat different. The basic option, as before, will be a 2-liter unit with a maximum power of 150 horsepower, and also with an automatic six-speed transmission. As for the dynamics indicators, nothing is clear here yet. It is quite possible that the car will be able to cover the first hundred kilometers per hour in 10.4 seconds, just like the previous model in the series. For such a huge and respectable sedan, such an engine will clearly not be enough in some situations. If the dynamics indicator is very important, then you should pay attention to the option that runs on 2.5 liters. This engine is capable of operating at 181 horsepower. The previous generation Camry, thanks to this engine, could reach 100 kilometers per hour in 9 seconds. These two modifications operate on a six-speed automatic transmission.

The main news related to the technical feature is related to the top version of the car. 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. What about domestic market, then versions running at 249 horsepower will be sold here. Here, an updated eight-speed automatic transmission will also be available.

As for the basic version of KIA, it still has the same 2-liter engine producing 150 horsepower. However, the Optima-2.0 option can offer manual box gears, 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 option with an automatic transmission in 10.7 seconds.

The Optima version with a 2.4-liter engine is capable of already delivering 188 horsepower. Despite this, this option does not provide any additional strength compared to its 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 power of 245 horsepower. This option will allow you to accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour in just 7.4 seconds, and maximum speed car, was 240 kilometers per hour.

Pricing policy and configurations

The very first and affordable version of the Camry was called Standard, and this option will cost 1 million 390 thousand rubles. The car package, in this case, includes: heated seats, climate control, full power 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 different little things here, but it’s worth listing only the most necessary and interesting ones.

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 version for 1 million 623 thousand rubles. There are front and rear type Paktronikov, 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. The more expensive version may also 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 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 additionally pay more than 150 thousand rubles.

As for the Safety version, it will cost 1 million 818 thousand rubles, and Prestige Safety will cost 1 million 930 thousand rubles. Both of these options have only a 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 also a fairly high-quality cruise control. Among other things, it is simply impossible to ignore the special function emergency braking on the roads, as well as a special collision warning system.

The second option was equipped with high-quality 18-inch wheels, an interesting and very high-quality ionizer, and an improved audio system. There is also now 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 Luxury package. As for the most expensive version of the car, it costs 2 million 341 thousand rubles.

What about pricing policy Optima, then in this case they are more affordable. The basic version of the car with a manual transmission will cost 1 million 209 thousand rubles. However, in this case, the car’s equipment is of much lower quality. Only air conditioning, a standard radio and 16 inch wheels are already installed here. The Comfort modification will 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 version of the car will cost 1 million 449 thousand rubles. There are: alloy wheels, an electric driver's seat, and an electric handbrake. With this version, you can purchase, for an additional 80 thousand rubles, a version of the car with a 2.4 liter engine. Prestige version will cost 1 million 529 thousand rubles. Here the changes are only related to additional systems monitoring blind spots, as well as the ability to access the interior without a key.

The most expensive modification of the car is called GT. This option will cost 1 million 879 thousand rubles. In this case, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, and an improved sports car are installed. steering wheel, as well as a specialized all-round viewing function.

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 remained virtually unchanged. Among other things, servicing the Japanese model will cost quite a tidy sum. But, he is simply 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 will cost less in maintenance. However, in this case, less interesting design and much less technical capabilities than the Camry.

Large solid sedan with spacious interior and – isn’t this the dream of the average Russian car enthusiast? Are there many worthy representatives of this segment on the market? It turns out that yes, there is enough, and as today’s duelists we present to your attention the Kia Optima and the very popular Toyota model Camry.

However, both models are found on domestic roads with almost the same frequency. Sales statistics confirm: the Japanese sedan in recent years has consistently been among the top 20 most popular cars, regardless of the segment. The Korean has never been in the top twenty, but in absolute numbers it is inferior to Toyota quite a bit, 15-30%. This means that, despite the hype of the Camry, the Optima is not critically behind. Consequently, interest in both sedans is high, and testing them comparatively will be very useful.

Technical features of the models

As featured in the review technical characteristics will be considered following models: with Kia sides Optima is a 2018 car 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:

Country of assembly	RF	RF
Engine volume, l.	1,99	1,99
Power, l. With.	150	150
Max cr. torque at rpm, Nm	196/4800	199/4600
Transmission type	Six-speed automatic transmission	Six-speed automatic transmission
Fuel tank volume, l.	70	70
Length, cm	486	485
Height, cm.	149	148
Wheelbase, see	280	278
.	15,5	16,0
Weight in running order, i.e.	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

The Optima cannot be called a typical sedan - the car is skillfully disguised as a sports-oriented liftback, although the Camry after the second restyling has a similar situation, especially if you stand from a certain angle. One way or another, in terms of dimensions, both cars are almost identical, 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 cannot be called incorrect, the car is simply perceived in a completely different way.

Compared to the Toyota Camry, the Kia Optima assembled in Kaliningrad still looks much more solid and richer: not even one inch here big wheels, And panoramic roof in the database, and more chrome parts, and less conspicuous body gaps. In favor of the St. Petersburg Camry, we can say a few words about best quality Paintwork – shagreen is practically invisible here. Yes, and the Japanese has a little better visibility and the coverage of the space around the car with external mirrors is wider. But there is clearly a lack of high-quality parking radars: 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. In Kia, this mandatory element evokes certain associations for an experienced driver. It’s no secret that literally one and a half to two decades ago, Korean designers dominated the Japanese school of auto design, but recently they have been increasingly reoriented towards the European style. The Optima's interior and driver's seat subtly remind us of an Audi or VW interior. But here we are not talking about complete or partial copying - the seats are close in spirit: the same precise geometric shapes, the same ergonomics calculated down to the millimeter and a complete absence of flashy details.

The seating position is low, almost like a sports car, the support is level, the steering wheel also has a sporty look with a sloping lower part. Finally, the center console, like some Germans, is slightly turned towards the driver. In a word, a hint of the sedan’s adventurous character sticking out from all the cracks. However, for obvious reasons, talk about an ideal fit cannot be perceived with absolute objectivity: for some it will really be as comfortable as possible, others may note the seeming lack of free space above the head, and others may not like the profile of the chair due to anatomical features.

There are few changes in the interior of the updated Camry. 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 is not entirely standard for the Russian user, but you quickly get used to it... As for the general perception, the Japanese interior design “froze” at the level of at least five years ago, and the false wooden trims were not criticized at all. already incapable of such actions. However, conditional conservatism is not so bad, but experienced drivers I like the Camry elephant for another reason: a driver with any anthropological data will feel behind the wheel like a fish in water. And there is more than enough space in the back of the Toyota: in its class in terms of free space on the back seat, the Camry is one of the leaders. In some ways, it can even be perceived as a compact limousine. But let’s leave aside the juggling of terminologies - the 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 for charging smartphones and other gadgets.

As for the front seats, the Camry has very soft ones - but this is what limits the possibilities of high-speed driving, and the lateral support is not impressive. In addition, the skin looks moderately slippery, conducive to a relaxed driving style.

As for visibility, due to the sporty nature of the Optima, it is much worse than that of the Japanese sedan. sitting behind driving a Toyota, you feel the dimensions of the car much more acutely, and from all sides. So the all-round view option here plays more of a safety net role. Optima also has this feature, but it is poorly implemented due to the disgusting image quality. If we compare the visibility of competitors, the differences are most clearly evident when the car enters an underground parking lot: on a Camry this is usually possible the first time, on a Kia it often requires a second entry to the next floor.

Engines and transmissions

Ruler power units both sedans consist of three motors. The Camry has two well-known and proven four-cylinder engines:

• two-liter 150-horsepower 6AR-FSE engine, developing 192 Nm cr. torque at 4700 rpm;
• 181-horsepower 2.5-liter engine with the factory index 2AR-FE, developing 231 Nm at a crankshaft speed of 4000 rpm.

But there is also a new product - a six-cylinder 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS engine, equipped with a hydraulic phase shifter installed at the inlet and a combined fuel injection system. It allows you to develop 250 horsepower and 356 Nm of torque at 4700 rpm. The younger ones are paired with proven six-speed automatic transmissions, while the top engine is paired with an upgraded eight-speed automatic transmission.

Kia has two main aspirated engines:

• two-liter 150-horsepower Nu MPI engine, equipped with a distributed injection system and developing 196 Nm at a crankshaft speed of 4800 rpm;
• 2.4-liter Theta-II engine with direct injection has a power of 188 “horses” and a max. torque 241 Nm, achieved at 4000 rpm.

But the Korean also has a highlight, installed only on the GT-Line package - it is a two-liter four-cylinder engine that develops a thrust of 245 horsepower and produces 350 Nm in a wide frequency range (1500-4000 rpm).

As you can see, a comparison of cars based on 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 seems appropriate. Optima with the same two-liter engine has a result with manual transmission better by 1.4 seconds; with an automatic transmission, Kia accelerates to “first car” in 10.7 seconds. Top-end units show decent performance, but here too 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 indicators of two-liter engines are better than those of Toyota: its smaller 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-end engines, surprisingly, is not much more - for the turbocharged unit from Kia it is 8.5 liters, for the Camry with a 3.5-liter engine - 8.7 liters.

Comparison test Kia Optima and Toyota Camry recorded a slight advantage of the Japanese in terms of efficiency and acceleration dynamics.

Controllability and safety

Although Toyota is associated with exemplary reliability, in this case you can very quickly be disappointed in the quality of the sedan: after starting the engine and engaging the gear selector, you will immediately feel the hood vibrating, and this vibration is transmitted to the interior, to the floor and steering wheel. In Optima this phenomenon is also present, but noticeably less pronounced. But once you take the start, the Toyota becomes a very quiet car, for which even bumps are not a hindrance. But the smoothness of the suspension is so good that it can be annoying with constant rocking on barely perceptible waves of the road surface.

In high-speed turns, Toyota does not feel very confident, but in a straight line the car moves confidently, obediently obeying steering turns. As for agility, little has changed compared to its predecessor - when trying to accelerate sharply, the automatic operates with delays, sometimes quite unexpectedly and unpredictably. Yes and implementation sport mode here it looks like naked mockery.

Compared to its competitors, Kia may seem like a real athlete. Although the power of the sedans is comparable, the Korean's gas pedal control is more precise, and engine braking is very good. There are three modes, from the rather uncomfortable and brooding Eco to the instantly responsive Sport. The only problematic aspect in the operation of the engine is absent 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 you need to get used to them, especially after the Camry's gentle response to the slightest pedal pressure.

The Japanese steering wheel is quite heavy, compared to the very light Kia wheel, which is especially noticeable at low speeds. But when maneuvering in city traffic, the Optima performs better, responding with predictable behavior and minimal roll. At speed, there are no special complaints about the Kia either - when the traction threshold is exceeded, all four wheels slip, which makes it easier to control the car by changing traction. For the Japanese, the situation is approximately the same, but the native Michelin-star Pilot Sport 3 tires, which are standard on the Optima, keep the car on the track better than the universal Premium Contact 5 tires from Continental from Toyota.

But the Kia is much noisier; even at relatively low speeds, all the fun from listening to music disappears. If the asphalt is rough or aged, then it’s time to plug your ears, but such roads are rather commonplace in our country. Finally, the stiffness of the Optima's suspension also won't give you much joy when driving on bumpy roads, even despite its high energy consumption.

So we don’t dare to say unequivocally that Toyota Camry or Kia Optima is better in terms of handling. But a lot depends on the driving style and many other factors.

Maintenance cost

Operating costs are also important for obvious reasons. In this regard, KIA is noticeably better: a CASCO policy for a Korean costs 40,000 rubles less, and you need to undergo maintenance every 15 thousand kilometers (for Toyota - every 10,000). The Japanese spend less on gasoline, and while maintaining the residual price, it is much better here. But many car enthusiasts focus specifically on the liquidity of the car they are purchasing. The emergence of a worthy rival in the form of Optima could change the situation, but it will take a long time to wait.

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 electric windows;
• cruise control;
• electric drive of external mirrors;
• light sensor;
• LED daytime running lights;
• ESC/VSM/HAC/ESS systems;
• front/side PBs and curtains;
• monitoring tire pressure levels.

The most expensive equipment Optima GT 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 electric windows;
• electrically adjustable exterior mirrors;
• push-button start of the power unit;
• front/side airbags, curtain airbags;
• set of systems active safety– ABS/EBD/BAS/VSC/HAC/TRC.

But this modification costs more – 1.57 million.

The top-end configuration of the 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 a heated windshield in the area where the windshield wiper nozzles are located, electrically heated external mirrors with electric drive, a 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, external mirrors, windshield wiper nozzles, windshield, air ducts for the rear sofa, indicator of a drop in the fluid level in the washer reservoir.

What to choose

Externally, the new Camry bears little resemblance to a car. previous generation– the Japanese decided to change her image at the conceptual level, abandoning her calm appearance. Now the car has become youthful and has acquired a distinct, rapid appearance. There are fewer changes in the interior; here they decided to remain focused on increased level comfort, now also for the driver.

But the price for all these innovations is an increase in cost, and quite a significant one. If you take into account the traditionally expensive CASCO policy for a Camry and the short interval between maintenance (10 thousand kilometers), then you should prepare for the fact that having a large Japanese sedan will cost you a pretty penny.

From this point of view, the choice between Camry and Optima involves a tilt to the side - it costs less in comparable trim levels, and maintenance needs to be carried out one and a half times less often. You also need to take into account Kia's five-year warranty. But otherwise the cars are close, and in terms of reliability and prestige, Toyota is clearly preferable. And if you expect to sell the car after 5-6 years of operation, then the advantage of the Japanese here is more than obvious.