WHEN GoAuto drove the Kia Optima after its Australian launch in 2011, there was much to like.

The plusses were led by the classy design, simple but stylish cabin layout and value for money.

With the arrival of the mid-life facelift, all those items not only remain ticketyboo, but have even been improved with some well-placed tweaks.

But back in 2011, with the sunshine came a little rain in the form of a stiffish ride, wayward steering characteristics and a sluggish launch feel.

We are glad to inform you that the fine folk at Kia must have come to a similar conclusion, as these areas appear to have been addressed in Optima Mark 2.

Click here for the full review...