"A what else to take among such machines? asked my friend, who recently became the owner of a sedan Toyota Camry. In Russia, Camry sells better than all direct competitors combined! In the first eight months of this year, 18.7 thousand cars were sold, and demand is falling slower than the market: only 11% against the all-Russian 15%.
On the side of the Camry is an established image of a reliable car, a spacious interior and excellent liquidity in the secondary market. But there are a lot of shortcomings: an old-fashioned interior with poor ergonomics, poor sound insulation, tasteless handling, and also high prices for service (TO every 10 thousand kilometers) and insurance. In our Toyota Camry took the last place.
Now the Toyota sedan of the St. Petersburg assembly costs from 1 million 364 thousand for the Standard version with a two-liter engine (150 hp) and a fabric interior to almost two million for the top version of the Lux with a V6 3.5 engine (249 hp), leather interior, three-zone climate control and power rear seats. There are many alternatives in this price range.
The “Koreans” are more accessible than others: with a two-liter engine (150 hp) and an “automatic” it costs at least 1 million 224 thousand rubles, and with a similar power unit it is estimated at 1 million 250 thousand. Cars with a leather interior and a gentleman's set of options will cost 1.35-1.37 million rubles. But if the middle-aged “magpie” will attract only the price and inexpensive maintenance, then the Optima is a pleasant, balanced car with a comfortable interior and a decent ride. In addition, Kia is offered with more powerful 2.4 (188 hp, from 1.45 million rubles) and 2.0 T-GDI (245 hp, 1.77 million) engines, while the Hyundai i40 has an alternative 150- strong aspirated only economical diesel 1.7 (141 hp) with a "robot" for 1.4 million rubles.
At the price of insurance, even the Camry will surpass, but its mood is completely different: dense suspension, perky handling, “torsional” motors. The basic version with a 2.0 engine (150 hp) and an “automatic” costs 1 million 304 thousand rubles, but for a car with a leather interior and climate control you need to pay at least 1 million 577 thousand - 93 thousand more than for a Camry with similar equipment. Mazda 6 with a 2.5 engine (192 hp) will cost at least 1 million 465 thousand rubles.
It also has a driver's character, but the interior, in comparison with competitors, is not so spacious. And the prices are not encouraging: if the “base” Mondeo costs 1 million 350 thousand rubles, then for the version with a leather interior you need to pay at least 1 million 681 thousand! The initial power unit is a phlegmatic aspirated 2.5 (149 hp), and Mondeo with a clockwork 2.0 EcoBoost turbo engine (199 hp) costs from 1.7 million rubles. But in terms of the combination of qualities, this is one of the best business sedans.
The owner of the most spacious interior in the class - liftback. Prices formally start at 1.3 million rubles, but for a car with a 1.4 TSI engine (150 hp) and a "robot" you have to pay 1 million 384 thousand, and climate control, leather interior and other comfortable options will increase the price up to 1.7 million. Prices for Superb 1.8 TSI (180 hp) with a “robot” start from the same mark.
The sedan is even more expensive: from 1 million 489 thousand for the simplest version with "mechanics". A modification with a 150-horsepower 1.4 TSI engine and a "robot" is estimated at no less than 1 million 609 thousand rubles, for a car with "skin" prepare 1.8 million, and with a 1.8 engine (180 hp) - all two million . Add to these prices the poor reputation of TSI engines and DSG "robots" - and it becomes clear why Superb and Passat are sold worse than Korean and Japanese competitors. Although in terms of interior comfort and driving performance, they have no equal.
Volkswagen Passat
Coupe-like is more expensive: for a car with a 1.8 TSI engine (152 hp) and a DSG box, you need to pay 1.8 million rubles. Moreover, the extra charge is solely for the design, because the interior of such a Passat is more cramped. And there is also an exotic one for Russia, but the only version with a 1.6 turbo engine (150 hp) and an “automatic” costs from 1 million 819 thousand rubles. The "508th" has a good interior and an excellent chassis, but the image and liquidity in the secondary market are in trouble.
Volkswagen Passat CC
At the price of Camry, you can take some premium sedans: they have a completely different level of prestige, but you have to sacrifice equipment or engine power. For example, in the T3 version (1.5 l, 152 hp) you can buy for 1 million 765 thousand, and such a sedan with a leather interior, an electric driver's seat and a virtual instrument cluster will cost 2 million. The powerful S60 T5 (2.0 l, 245 hp) is estimated at the same amount, but only with basic equipment. There is also a 2.0 turbo engine (211 hp) for 1 million 796 thousand, and a version with leather interior and LED headlights will cost 1 million 962 thousand, but other options will bring the price beyond the two million mark.
The German "premium" fits into the specified range at the limit. For example, the base one with the initial 1.4 TFSI engine (150 hp), "robot" and climate control costs 1 million 920 thousand rubles - the price reserve is only enough for a metallic color. And for 318i with a three-cylinder turbo engine (136 hp) and an "automatic" they ask for at least 1 million 983 thousand. But such machines are unlikely to attract buyers.
A large solid sedan with a 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 the Kia Optima and the very popular Toyota Camry model.
However, on domestic roads, both models are found with almost the same frequency. Sales statistics say that the Japanese sedan has consistently been in the top 20 most popular cars in recent years, 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
The following models will be considered as subjects of the review of technical characteristics: from the side of Kia Optima - a car of 2018, equipped with a 150-horsepower two-liter engine and automatic transmission, Toyota Camry will represent 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. With. | 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 its predecessors, the Japanese bestseller has become 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.
The Kia Optima assembled in Kaliningrad still looks much more solid and richer than the Toyota Camry: there are one inch larger wheels, a panoramic roof in the base, more chrome parts, and less conspicuous body gaps. In favor of the St. Petersburg Camry, a few words can be said about the best quality of the paintwork - the 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 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. 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 horsepower 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. In Optima with the same two-liter engine, the result with a manual transmission is 1.4 seconds better, with an automatic transmission, Kia 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 indicators for two-liter engines are better for Toyota: its junior engine consumes 9.7 liters per 100 km in the city, 5.5 liters on the highway, and 7.1 liters on average. 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.
A comparative test of Kia Optima and Toyota Camry in terms of efficiency and acceleration dynamics recorded a slight advantage for 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 interior, to the floor and steering 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 the implementation of the sports mode here looks like an open mockery.
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;
- a set of active safety systems - 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.
Catch up and overtake the Toyota Camry? It sounds as fantastic as United Russia's defeat in the elections. For many years, a reliable and liquid Japanese sedan from St. Petersburg on the secondary market has gained such an electorate that no tricks help other competitors - neither design, nor prices, nor “tasty” warranty conditions. Moreover, the former leader of the opposition, Nissan Teana, left the market altogether, taking the Honda Accord with him. Since then, Kia Optima has come closest to Toyota, but it is still inferior to 25% of the “votes”. And can she fight the new generation of Camry?
Toyota Camry
Kia Optima
As we already know from, Toyota started a revolution and decided that the Camry needed a sporty image as hell. Narrow headlights, a huge grille in the bumper, which for some reason is painted with gray gloss in all versions except the base one, a low hood and even a hint of a dynamic profile. Bold! And people around react, look, until the Camry has time to flood the roads. Where did the old suitcase go? Or in this way the Japanese “troll” the typical inhabitants of the Camry back sofa - they say, isn’t it time for a turnstile?
Of course, this is not the point - it's just that Toyota is fighting to rejuvenate the audience and change the idea of \u200b\u200bthe model. Although how to recapture the youth from the spectacular "Optima"? The Kia is especially good at the rear, with those huge flared taillights and two oval tailpipes at the ends of the diffuser comb (a hallmark of GT-Line performance). Plus a large panoramic roof and polished 18-inch wheels. Is that why Kia won the vote on our Instagram account with a two-fold advantage?
Toyota Camry
Kia Optima
Or is it the price? The price list says that the base Kia with an automatic transmission and a 2.0 engine is almost 50 thousand cheaper than a similar Camry - 1,349,900 against 1,399,900 rubles. Moreover, from the additional bonuses, Kia will only have a heated steering wheel, and Camry will have LED headlights (I wonder if taxi drivers know how much it costs to change them in case of repair?) But we took Camry with the most popular 2.5 engine - at least it is 1,623,000 rubles against 1 549,900 for Optima 2.4.
The cooler the equipment, the more the difference in price between the two sedans tends to space - as a result, the Optima GT-Line costs 1,729,900 against ... 2,062,000 rubles for Camry Lux Safety! Plus 21,000 surcharge for dark blue metallic. More than three hundred thousand rubles? Yes, for 1.9 million you can buy an Optima GT with a 245-horsepower turbo engine. Calmly! It’s just that the Toyota package has something that you can’t get in Kia for any money.
The main thing is, of course, the rear sofa with a "director's" remote control that controls the third "climate" zone, music volume and electrically adjustable backrest angle. We already wrote that the Camry has become a little cramped compared to its predecessor, but with the Optima - parity. You can lie back, plug your phone charger into a USB connector and enjoy the silence - the Camry's sound insulation has become noticeably better. But remember that such a sofa does not add up, so the transportation of long items is not possible.
Toyota Camry
Kia Optima
Kia chairs not only look cool, but also hold much better in corners. And the profile is good, the back does not get tired. Both cars have ventilated front seats, front and rear heating, and USB ports for charging mobile devices. Kia, moreover, boasts a small central tunnel and a large panoramic roof. For Camry, no sunroof is offered in principlePlus a package of safety systems - auto-braking with pedestrian recognition, lane keeping, informing about traffic signs and cars approaching from the side when reversing, active cruise, driver fatigue control and blind spot monitoring. True, during sharp maneuvers, the system screams hysterically and displays the inscription “Brake!” on the instrument panel. on a red background, but retains composure and does not interfere with the management, unless you try to drive someone into the rear bumper.
However, Kia also has some of the listed assistants (control of dead zones and approaching traffic when leaving in reverse), plus all-round cameras. You can refuse the electrified rear sofa (and at the same time - the ventilation of the front seats), but even then the Camry will cost 1,930,000 rubles. But for a higher price, Toyota also offers a high-quality interior - unless, of course, the riot of forms and the glossy stalactite hanging from the top of the center console, which have replaced the former "cabinet" style, do not frighten. Of the minuses, we note only the blue backlighting of the buttons, which can be annoying at night.
Toyota Camry
Kia Optima
Camry has finally increased the steering range for reach, besides, the Japanese sedan has better visibility due to the low panel and the characteristic shape of the windows. Both cars boast large boxes in the armrests, well-organized space on the central tunnel and wireless chargers for phones.Kia will appeal to supporters of conservative design, and the button blocks are grouped and placed in an exemplary way. And a minimum of glossy plastic! The driving position is lower, the instruments are more informative, and the Harman Kardon acoustics play better than the Toyota JBL system (although these companies are part of the same Samsung Electronics concern). But the "tarpaulin" on the front panel and door cards look poor. And the faux leather on the seats is rougher than in the Camry.
Toyota Camry
Kia Optima
The engines of both sedans are certified for the use of "92" gasoline, and the average consumption is about the same and is 11-12 l / 100 km. Nice bonus due to higher fuel prices. Kia says cylinder scuffing issues have already been addressed with oil injectors. But the “rice” (the so-called characteristic sound of coolant flowing in the pipe during acceleration at high speeds) still remained - at least on the test car of 2017On the move, Kia tries to live up to its sporty image - it reacts to the gas so sharply that in traffic jams it has to be softened by the Eco mode. But otherwise, there are no complaints about the engine and gearbox - a 6-speed automatic quickly understands what is needed from it, and in “Sport” Optima generally becomes a “lighter”! One feels lightness in habits and it's not at all in the settings of the power steering - Kia loves winding roads, and under the throttle even gently slides the rear axle. That's what you don't expect from a regular sedan. But with active driving, a 188-horsepower engine is no longer enough - up to a hundred Kia accelerates in an average of 9.2 seconds.
Toyota Camry
Kia Optima
The power unit Camry, which she inherited from her predecessor, on the contrary, is tuned for a smooth ride - the 6-speed automatic is in no hurry to downshift, and the sport mode is fake here, it only cuts off two higher gears. But, despite its lazy nature, the Toyota almost keeps up with the Kia in acceleration from a standstill - according to our measurements, it reaches 100 km / h in 9.8 seconds. It’s a pity that that noticeable pickup at medium speeds, which the 181-horsepower 2.5 engine used to please us with, has gone somewhere.
Camry is not afraid of turns either - it reacts quickly to actions with an unexpectedly “saturated” steering wheel, and holds on to the arc to the last, despite the squeal of modest Bridgestone Turanza T005 tires (Kia is shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 3). But Kia's playfulness is not worth waiting for - if you get completely insolent, then the Camry will begin to slide precisely with the front end. But the Camry finally has brakes - both the drive itself and the deceleration are good! Surely Camry will also receive a new 2.5 engine with an 8-speed automatic (like the American Camry or the Lexus ES 250 sedan), but it is not known when this will happen.
The payback for handling and 18-inch wheels (for the first time in Camry in the Russian Federation) has traditionally been a smooth ride. What is especially sad is that it concerns precisely “urban” irregularities - hatches, patches, rails. Camry does not hesitate to jump off the path, get caught in the corner joint. And the rear multi-link, which replaced the McPherson struts, manages to do this on a straight line. Let this not affect the stability of the car, but the bell is not the most pleasant - Camry no longer has the former disregard for the road. Optima also does not indulge in a soft move, but does without additional "special effects". And the Camry is disappointing with the high steering effort in parking modes compared to the Kia.
Yes, the new Camry has really become more attractive for active drivers, more interesting outside and inside. But the Optima is able to compete with it, even if it is noisier and makes a more “simple” impression in the cabin, but it does not have serious flaws and is cheaper. The owners of previous Camrys may not appreciate the change in the comfort paradigm, but whether the new “sporty” image is enough to attract young people is a question. In addition, Toyota will cost more in service and insurance. However, for many years, no external factors could remove Camry from the throne. And already in the third quarter, the updated Optima will arrive in Russia. Can she carry out a "coup d'état"?
Solid posture or youthful enthusiasm? Imposing movement or accelerated pace? Official meetings or outings with the whole family? Often, we do not choose a car for exclusive purposes, but we want it to be a universal purchase. Let's try to confirm this on the example of our test drive. In the left corner of the ring - Kia Optima, in the right - Toyota Camry. Both are from completely different backgrounds.
Comparing appearance is a thankless task. However, the main message of the manufacturer can be traced precisely in the exterior. When you look at the restyled Kia Optima sedan, you notice an athletic physique, a lean silhouette and a scattering of LED foglights. No less interesting is the design of the rear pillar. But it is difficult to imagine such a car as a carrier: all these touches may seem redundant, for which there is no proper rigor.
Camry is another matter - there is nothing superfluous in the appearance of this car. Nothing. Quite ... Toyota stylists were too reserved about their offspring, overdoing it with its conservative component. So much so that the gaze had nothing to catch on in the negative sense of this expression - I looked and forgot. It is clear that young people are not the target audience of the model, but the latter is not entirely dominated by gray jackets. However, Camry sedans have never been distinguished by special frills.
The same is true with the interior decoration. The interiors of rivals seem to be from different eras. In Kia / Kia, it resembles a cockpit with a center console deployed for the driver, and soft plastics prevail in finishing materials. At the same time, at the present time, there are too many buttons, which are also small on the steering wheel, and the leather trim of the seats is not of the best quality.
Salon Camry - a different story. Not only archaic buttons and a clock in the center of the dashboard look like greetings from the past, but also lurid wood-like inserts. And in general, the architecture does not look modern. What can not be taken away is the best in comparison with Kia / Kia leather trim. However, Camry's soft front seats still lack lateral support. In this regard, Optima / Optima helps out, but not everything is convenient here either: the seat of the “Korean” pushes the back.
With the comfort of the rear passengers, everything is exactly the opposite: due to the too littered back of the sofa in the Kia, you have to take a semi-recumbent position, while in the expensive versions of the Toyota Camry / Toyota Camry, the slope allows you to adjust the servo.
Luggage compartments rivals of the same volume - a little over 500 liters. Kia is distinguished by the ability to fold the backrests, despite the fact that this can only be done from the outside, from the trunk. At the same time, seat belts immediately interfere with folding the half - it is inconvenient. In Camry, the sofa does not unfold at all, and only the hatch for long lengths is responsible for the transformation. However, the shape of the Toyota trunk is more successful. Both models have a full-size spare under the floor.
On the road Camry - the very calm. You roll yourself, it would seem, slowly, but on the speedometer it’s already over a hundred. Thanks to soundproofing, which, unlike Optima, copes better with external irritants, and the motor is given into the cabin more moderately. The only thing that annoys is the hum of the tires. In addition, the “Japanese” suspension perfectly filters road trifles, and in general, on a bad road, the sedan behaves more stable and feels stronger - taking care of the rear riders. The reverse side is a steering wheel devoid of a distinct effort, due to which the car is driven with laziness. And the steering wheel itself is of an unsuccessful shape (large and thin) and does not fall into the hands in the best way.
The Kia steering wheel has an excellent grip, and the Korean sedan itself, unlike the Japanese one, corresponds to the definition of drivers’ car to a greater extent. There is no imposing and courteous Camry here, which allows you to more confidently take turns. But enjoying the Optima is hindered by excessive sensitivity on the steering wheel. In addition, on 18-inch wheels, the sedan decently shakes as if the tires were pumped on it. Even on a relatively good road, the slightest irregularities in the canvas are kept in good shape, not allowing you to relax. And if you run into a deformation seam of the coating in a turn, then the car noticeably rearranges. At the same time, oddly enough, the bumps are larger and artificial bumps are passed quite gently.
The Kia Optima's six-speed automatic with eco and sport mode is pretty good. His switching is imperceptible, and in difficult situations he acts quickly and adequately. The same cannot be said about the Toyota Camry / Toyota Camry: the Camry automatic transmission has only four steps and switches in kick-down with a delay and a subsequent jerk. The manual mode is also not without features: the selector is not fixed on the selected gear, but only limits the shift range. However, a restyled version of the Japanese sedan should avoid such a problem.
Acceleration in normal conditions is better given to Camry, despite the loss in power (148 hp vs. 180 hp) and a less agile box. Toyota's accelerator pedal is also more responsive, so it's easier to dose the thrust. However, in the spurt, Optima comes out as a leader, and it is more convenient to control the braking force behind the wheel of a Korean. - a real business class. Three-zone climate control with a control unit in the armrest of the sofa and an electric drive for tilting the rear backs play into her hands in her segment. So you should choose a universal car from these two representatives, obeying the true goals.
It is worth noting that sales of the updated Toyota Camry / Toyota Camry started in December. The changes affected both the exterior and the interior. The model got LED DRLs and taillights, received a new steering wheel and instrument cluster, and also received a package of improved sound insulation. At the same time, a heated windshield and a blind spot monitoring system appeared in the list of options. The 2.0-liter engine (148 hp) and the four-speed automatic were replaced by a motor of the same volume (150 hp) with a six-speed automatic transmission. On average, prices have increased by 29-70 thousand rubles, and now the base sedan starts at 998,000 rubles.
In the Russian market, it's corny "tired". Still, the model underwent its last restyling more than two years ago. During this time, her characteristic sores were revealed, her already not very expressive appearance became outdated, and in terms of optional chips, the car is already time for improvement. What can not be said about the ambitious "Korean" - everything is in the ointment. Anyway, for now.
On the other hand, why should the Japanese be afraid if last year they sold Toyota Camry in Russia than KIA sold their Optima: 30,136 against 3,096 cars. Whatever the car from the Land of the Rising Sun, it is quite difficult to throw it off the pedestal, and in general, in our opinion, it is necessary to defend your right to leadership in any situation. However, looking ahead, I’ll say: this time the Toyota team will not only not win the battle, but also, as if not to lose the palm at all - the Koreans have prepared thoroughly and stubbornly go to the kings!
What is only one appearance of the new "Optima" - aggressive, fashionable, outrageous. Especially, which visited us on the test. Daring bumpers, graceful wheels, formidable exhaust pipes, bright red wheel calipers are quite unusual for a business sedan, and even more so for a Korean one. The main thing is that it is not clumsy and not defiant - nevertheless, Peter Schreyer does not get his salary in vain.
What's inside? It is impossible not to notice that the design of the dashboard is reminiscent of the Bavarian BMW and Ingolshdatian Audi, and we are not talking about explicit copyright - the Koreans were quite competently able to adapt German ideas to their own style. Do not find fault with ergonomics - you can communicate with the controls with your eyes closed. In general, offset!
And such a "Toyota" did not even dream of. Judge for yourself - a circular view, including a top view, is provided by four video cameras; The smartphone has wireless charging. navigation is able to lay the shortest path to the destination, taking into account traffic jams. Not to mention heating everything and everything, a Harman/Kardon sound system with a sound worthy of a concert hall, and the ability to open the trunk without the help of hands. , ah well done: just a little bit more, and the Toyota people can no longer keep up!
It is clear that perfect handling is not about Koreans. But also ! If the latter have problems with the accuracy of the reaction to exercises with the steering wheel, then in the case of the KIA, the steering wheel is simply too light. However, you get used to it pretty quickly.
The suspension is not bad, but not completely balanced - the Optima is reluctant to enter sharp turns, and when maneuvering, it snaps with buildup. But the car does not lose its trajectory, as sometimes happens with Camry in aggressive turns (more on the test drive of a Japanese sedan). As for bumps, the Optima swallows them Toyota-style without much discomfort.
The turbo engine about 245 “horses” is a bullet, and especially in Sport mode. When starting from a place, KIA, grinding asphalt with tires and pressing riders into perforated leather seats, jumps forward like a tiger on the hunt. Engine roar? No guys! Noise isolation in the new Optima is excellent - the Koreans paid special attention to it. The six-band "automatic" responds in a timely manner to the driver's requests, although sometimes it responds with unpleasant jerks during sharp acceleration.
