Performance-oriented sedans are not limited to just the compact segment, which has a number of very capable and entertaining cars from which to choose. Most of the mid-size sedans from the Asian manufacturers have “sporty” cars in the line-up, but there are a few that take performance to an even higher level. In this case, we look at the K5 from Kia, previously called the Optima.
Kia covers all the bases, with the K5 GT-Line being the sporty version, and the K5 GT being the performance sedan. Yes, the naming of the two models would seem to lead to the possibility of confusion. We’ve driven both, so we’ll compare them a bit, while concentrating on the big dog GT.
The GT departs from the rest of the K5 line by ditching the quite adequate 1.6-litre turbo four for the fire-breathing 2.5 turbo four which, with 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque as low as 1,650 rpm, increases both those outputs by over 100 each. The effect on the K5’s speed is dramatic, with the run to 100 km/h accomplished in the mid-5 second range, which is nothing to sneeze at.
Another change from the GT-Line’s 8-speed full automatic transmission is the GT’s 8-speed dual-clutch manumatic unit, technically a manual transmission with electro-mechanical clutch that you don’t need your left foot to use. Shifts are very quick and firm, both up and down, and they can be made manually with the paddles or shifter, or left to happen automatically.
The GT-Line puts its 180 horsepower to the ground via all four wheels, while that AWD system is not available on the GT, which sees its 290 hp going to the front wheels only. What could go wrong? Well, injudicious applications of throttle can momentarily break those front tires loose in the “Normal” driving setting, and in “Sport Plus” with traction control reduced, they can be really lit up, especially on wet or loose surfaces.
That traction deficiency might have been compounded by the all-season tires our tester was equipped with. Given the power of this engine, the driver might be better served with summer performance tires for the most grip possible, and of course, suitable winter tires, too.
The rest of the hardware at the four corners has been upgraded on the GT, as well, with ten percent-bigger brakes all around, 245/40 tires on 19-inch wheels, and unique suspension tuning. As a result, the GT’s handling is taut and communicative, especially in the Sport or Sport Plus settings and with the driver exercising restraint with the throttle in corners. The other settings are Normal and Custom, with the notable exclusion of an Eco mode.
Inside, the K5 GT makes a further case for being an enthusiast’s sedan, with very supportive, ventilated and heated front seats that are multi-adjustable, and that slide way rearward and downward, to accommodate a driver well over six feet tall. They are covered in a synthetic leather, black in our tester with red stitching. The rear seat is nearly as comfortable, with lots of room for adult legs as long as those front seats aren’t reclined too much. It folds down nearly flat in 60-40 fashion, and along with the trunk which may be a bit shallow, offers plenty of cargo versatility and space.
The interior design projects an upscale image, and the technology in the car reinforces that, with a big 10.3-inch touchscreen, ambient lighting, navigation, satellite radio, Bose audio, and Apple Car Play and Android Auto which are oddly not wireless.
In our week of urban driving with the K5 GT, we scored a fuel consumption number of 13.1 litres per 100 kilometres, which is a bit higher than the official rating of 9.9 city (along with 7.3 highway). I suppose if you drove it in Normal mode with a very light foot, you might hit that 9.9 number, but then you’d be missing out on the entertainment value of this responsive sedan.
With an MSRP of $39,995, you get a lot of equipment and capability for the price, and it would be even better were Kia to equip the K5 GT with an all-wheel drive system, or at least a mechanical limited-slip front differential, that would make it a real leader in the mainstream-brand performance sedan segment. As for the tires, that situation could be addressed by the owner.
As the K5 GT sits now, it’s a very appealing, quick and comfortable performance sedan that is a compelling product in this segment, and a good value too.
