QUOTE(wirefly @ Apr 13 2012, 11:41 PM)
many of you guys did mention about the kia K5, well.. I've already thought of it, it's out of the picture.. The reason why is because i felt uncomfortable with the car height ceiling and dashboard, i must admit, the K5 is a super nice car, but everything feels cheap.. Like the passat, although the specs are so stupid, like the non memory seats, non auto folding wing mirrors, manual seat adjustmnt.. It felt expensive. Just an example, no offence.. Just my point of view. Everyone differs..
I think the K5 looks more classier than the Passat 1.8. Drive both cars past a roadside restaurant full of ppl and see which car gets the most attention. (i know cuz ive seen it happen). The Passat doesnt have any wow factor and any interest in the car is solely due to the badge and nothing else. It does have a better engine and transmission but i wouldnt wanna drive a car that makes me feel old and dull.
And yes the plastics on the Optima arent top class for sure but which would be more important for you? Top class specs & safety features or a better dashboard? Given a choice, ill go for the specs and in this case the Optima stands head and shoulders above its other D segment competitors.
The Optima has much better specs, a really well designed exterior and its a CBU vs the CKD Passat. On top of it all, the Optima is about RM27K cheaper. So for a 27K cheaper car, i think getting an interior thats slightly cheapo looking isnt too hard to swallow. The Optima also comes with a 5 yr unlimited mileage manufacturer's warranty so the question about durability can be put to rest.
The Optima may not win in all criterias but its generally a better car than most of its competitors for the price you are paying. But then again, for a Korean make to be actually compared to a VW, is a statement by itself dont u think?
Btw, after 5 months of detailed analysis across a range of cars and 9 test drives, i finally booked the Kia Optima yesterday.
This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Apr 14 2012, 08:15 AM