Lesley: Hit. Apparently optimism pays off, as proven by the latest iteration of Kia's mid-size sedan. No longer marshmallow bland, the new Optima is a sharply defined head-turner with coupe-like good looks. As well it should be – it's another creation of former Audi designer Peter Shreyer. Although it shares parts with sister car the Hyundai Sonata, overall the Optima projects a sportier image. I particularly like the hard-edged creases and the aggressive fascia – and the fact that it will be available with the 2.0T putting out 274 hp.
Mike: Hit. The new Kia Optima, which we saw in hybrid form in Toronto, is “Exhibit A” in the case that the Hyundai-Kia juggernaut will be difficult to stop. Only a few years ago the Kia Optima was but a footnote in the mid-size segment, now it is arguably one of the best looking cars in the class. World-class four-cylinder engines (normal and turbo) and a hybrid option, complete the impressive package.
2012 Land Rover Evoque 5-Door
Matt: Hit. I predict that this Rover will be a total hit. In Europe as in North America, the Freelander then LR2, were very popular. It did, however, suffer from reliability issues. Many of them. Had it not been for its tarnished reputation, LR would have delivered tonnes more of them. The Evoque, especially as a 5-door, embodies Land Rover but in a tighter, more dynamic package, that will reach out to those not willing to compromise on prestige but also not wanting a big honking Range Rover.
Lesley: Miss. When I first saw this in LA, I couldn't help wonder how on earth you'd see out of it, and though that sharply decreasing roof-line looks dramatic, I'd hate to be a rear passenger. It's nice that they're moving away from traditional boxiness, but those gun-slit windows just make me claustrophobic. However the Evoque is offering a new high-efficiency powertrain which promises greater improvements in fuel consumption while still producing 240 horsepower.
Mike: Hit. Is the world ready for a four-cylinder Range Rover? The answer to that would be yes, as long as it looks like this. The Evoque’s inspired styling instantly dispels any notion that Range Rovers shouldn’t be compact and fuel-efficient. Land Rover has said it is embarking on a mission to establish Range Rover as a more distinct brand within Land Rover; the Evoque is a wicked way to start the proceedings.
Mike: Hit. The new Kia Optima, which we saw in hybrid form in Toronto, is “Exhibit A” in the case that the Hyundai-Kia juggernaut will be difficult to stop. Only a few years ago the Kia Optima was but a footnote in the mid-size segment, now it is arguably one of the best looking cars in the class. World-class four-cylinder engines (normal and turbo) and a hybrid option, complete the impressive package.
2012 Land Rover Evoque 5-Door
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| 2012 Land Rover Evoque 5-portes (Photo: Michael Wong) |
Matt: Hit. I predict that this Rover will be a total hit. In Europe as in North America, the Freelander then LR2, were very popular. It did, however, suffer from reliability issues. Many of them. Had it not been for its tarnished reputation, LR would have delivered tonnes more of them. The Evoque, especially as a 5-door, embodies Land Rover but in a tighter, more dynamic package, that will reach out to those not willing to compromise on prestige but also not wanting a big honking Range Rover.
Lesley: Miss. When I first saw this in LA, I couldn't help wonder how on earth you'd see out of it, and though that sharply decreasing roof-line looks dramatic, I'd hate to be a rear passenger. It's nice that they're moving away from traditional boxiness, but those gun-slit windows just make me claustrophobic. However the Evoque is offering a new high-efficiency powertrain which promises greater improvements in fuel consumption while still producing 240 horsepower.
Mike: Hit. Is the world ready for a four-cylinder Range Rover? The answer to that would be yes, as long as it looks like this. The Evoque’s inspired styling instantly dispels any notion that Range Rovers shouldn’t be compact and fuel-efficient. Land Rover has said it is embarking on a mission to establish Range Rover as a more distinct brand within Land Rover; the Evoque is a wicked way to start the proceedings.