may optima 2019
Test Drive

Test drive Kia Optima

Kia Optima has managed to win its audience in many countries around the world. This is a large, family sedan with a sporty character. This model has transformed the brand image. The car successfully competes with the Mazda 6 and Toyota Camry, but the main tool for the struggle for the customer is a constant update, which again took place in 2020. So what does the new Kia Optima promise us?

Auto design

optima side

What is a facelift? Changing the grille, headlights and bumpers. The front xenon headlights were replaced by LED optics. Three-section fog lights “moved” to the side air intakes that cool the brakes. Judging by the shape of the front grille and headlights, it seems that the designers were inspired by the Toyota Camry 55. 

Smooth lines flowing along the body, passing to the trunk lid. Despite the fact that it is a full-fledged sedan, the bodywork is similar to the Gran turismo. Drains and the bottom of the doors are decorated with chrome stripes. High-alloy wheels of radius 18 with low profile rubber emphasize the sporting character.

The rear of the body is long LED lights that stretch from the wings. The rear bumper is decorated with a black plastic lip, chrome tailpipes glisten on the sides. 

Dimensions (L / W / H): 4855x1860x1485mm. 

How does a car go?

optima 2020

The new generation Optima leaves a pleasant aftertaste after a long trip. The suspension is incredibly soft, “swallows” bumps of any nature, optimal stability is noted at high speed. It is noteworthy that the suspension received new settings, especially for domestic roads, where you constantly have to overcome pits and “waves”. 

The level of sound insulation does not reach the standards of a business class, although this is a problem of even more expensive premium cars.

But for those who appreciate the sporty nature of the suspension, love to “fly” on turns - you need a sports car, although the Kia Optima has sports habits, comfort comes first.

Regarding the driving modes: there are “Sport” and “Comfort” modes, the latter being more organic. The Sport mode turned out to be tough, with characteristic jerks when shifting gears. This proves once again that the new Optima is more comfortable than sporty. 

Technical specifications

GDI 2.0 Kia engine

 

Engine2.0 gasoline2.0 gasoline2.4 gasoline
Fuel systemdistributed injectiondirect injectiondirect injection
Turbine availability-+-
fuel typeA-95A-98A-95
Fuel tank capacity (L)70likelike
Power (hp)150245188
full speed205240210
Acceleration to 100 / h (sec)9.67.49.1
Gearbox type6-speed manual6-automatic transmission6-automatic transmission
Drive unitfrontlikelike
Front suspensionIndependent McPhersonlikelike
Rear suspensionMulti-linklikelike
Front / rear brakesVentilated disc / disclikelike
Curb weight (kg)153015651575
Gross weight (kg)200021202050

As you can see, they decided not to deprive “Optima” of the engine with distributed injection and a manual gearbox, and this distinguishes the Korean from competitors. For lovers of high-speed driving on the highway, it is better to choose a car with a turbocharged engine. An intermediate version with automatic transmission and a 2.4 GDI petrol unit is the most optimal version of the car.

Salon

salon optima

Salon

There are few changes in the cabin: they added chrome around the instrument panel, engine start buttons, changed the shape of the buttons on the steering wheel and added a new trim color - dark brown. But the most pleasant novelty is expected in the evening - the contour lighting of the armrests and instrument panel, and you can choose the color yourself or link the color to the driving mode.

In the fourth generation of the model, the quality of finishing materials has significantly increased; new assembly technologies may have been applied. Plastic became softer, more pleasant to the touch. Leather seats pleasantly “hug” the driver and passengers, which is especially necessary for long trips or on sharp turns. The front seats are adjustable in 6 ranges. On the way there is a good view around, 360 ° cameras are installed in the side mirrors.

The media system has also been updated. It is presented in two versions: with a 7 and 8 inch touch screen. The system integrates with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and also features premium sound quality, for which the “acoustics” of Harman / Kardon are responsible. Conveniently located USB, AUX and 12-volt charging sockets, which allows you to connect to the slots without distraction from driving.

Fuel consumption

Engine2.02.0 GDI2.4 GDI
City (L)10.412.512
Track (L)6.16.36.3
Mixed cycle (L)7.78.58.4

Cost of maintenance

Kia Optima maintenance cost table with two engine options. The average annual mileage is 15 km. Version with engine 000 manual transmission:


1 year2 year3 year4 year5 year
Fuel800$800$800 $$800$800$
Insurance150$150$150$150$150$
TO140$175$160$250$140$

In just 5 years of operation: $ 5615

Version with 2.4 GDI automatic transmission engine:


1 year2 year3 year4 year5 year
Fuel820$820$820$820$820$
Insurance150$150$150$150$150$
TO160$175$165$250$160$

In just 5 years of operation: 5760

Kia Optima prices

optima in front

The starting price for the Optima in the minimum Classic configuration with a 2-liter engine is $18100. This includes:

  • safety (front Airbag, curtain airbags,) ESC, ESS;
  • comfort (power windows 4 doors), cruise control, light sensor, dashboard Supervision, air conditioning, multimedia system.

Options Comfort $ 19950 includes (optional) heating of all seats, electric heated mirrors, heated steering wheel, shift paddles.

The Luxe package from $ 19500 includes (optionally) seat memory, a light sensor, engine start button (key card), automatic parking brake, LED headlights, support for Apple CarPlay and / or Android Auto.

Options Prestige from $ 23900: headlight washer, climate control, adaptive cruise control, 360 camera, non-contact opening of the trunk, airbag for the driver’s knees, auxiliary brake system (BAS), Hands free.

Hack and predictor Aviator

Kia Optima 4th generation is an excellent car for domestic roads. Thanks to the soft suspension, comfortable interior and many useful options, every trip is a small holiday for the driver and passengers. 

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