WHEN the third-generation Optima mid-sizer arrived in early 2011, it effectively relaunched the Kia brand Down Under, thanks largely to its striking design, penned by the man the turned the company around globally, Peter Schreyer.

But while the sedan's styling instantly struck a chord with Australian buyers, dynamically it was underwhelming, and it trailed some of the more entertaining drives in the segment.

Kia has ironed out a lot of the former problem areas for this fourth-gen model, including ride and handling, NVH levels and, thankfully dynamic ability.

But it has pitched the Optima price-wise at the top end of the segment, meaning that it will face off against the excellent Mazda6 and impressive Volkswagen Passat. Has Kia done enough to beat the best in the sector?

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