The Kia Optima has a lot of space, equipment and warranty but somehow it doesn’t live up to the promise.

Ride and handling are only average and cabin quality is way off the mark – even the latest Ford Mondeo leaves it for dead.

There’s only a 1.7-litre diesel in the range and it lacks refinement. The unit is noisy on the motorway, not helped by a rumble from the tyres.

Optima is my least favourite car in an otherwise excellent Kia range. As my school report said: could do better….