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We turn the spotlight on the Kia Optima and ask the questions, including the biggest -- would you buy one?
Kia's gorgeous flagship model. It's just been updated and the update addresses many of the issues with the previous version.
Entry level Si Auto is priced from $30,990, the SLi with Navigation Auto $35,990 or Platinum with Navigation Auto $40,490. Premium paint adds $595. All come with extra equipment but all have increased in price, notably the Platinum which now breaks through the psychological $40,000 barrier.
Plenty of them. Camry, Mazda6, Liberty, Hyundai i40 not to mention the Ford Mondeo or recently released Holden Malibu. For our money none of them look as good as the Optima.
Optima is powered by a 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine that produces 148kW of power and 250Nm of torque. It's paired with a 6-speed automatic with paddleshifts that allows the driver to change gears manually if desired. The big four lacks the power, punch and smoothness of a six, but it is a willing worker that likes to rev.
Better than we remember. Roll on acceleration is good but it lacks some torque down low. Overseas the car is offered with a torquier 2.0-litre turbo that is a much better drive it's a shame that it is not offered here.
Claimed fuel economy is 7.9 litres/100km but it can achieve as low as 6.0 litres on the motorway. We were getting 9.2 after about 500km.
Gets 4.5 out of 5 from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide with CO2 emissions of 189g/km (Prius gets 5).
Gets a full five stars for crash safety from ANCAP with six airbags, plus electronic traction and stability control. New Platinum model now gets blind spot warning as well.
We found the original model a little harsh especially with 18 inch wheels. The transmission was also a little busy for our liking. Both these issues appear to have been addressed in the new model. We understand Kia's ride and handling man Graeme Gambold has had another crack at the car.
Love the cluster of four LEDs that grace the front either side of the Platinum model. Subtle changes have been made to the styling, with an updated rear diffusers and a sweeping boot lid which integrates a low profile spoiler. A reversing camera plus front and rear parking sensors are now standard across the range. The entry level Si misses out on leather and the big touchscreen computer, but apart from that is worth a look.
That's a definite YES from us. Looks great and goes acceptably well, with excellent fuel economy.
Vehicle | Specs | Price* | |
---|---|---|---|
SLi | 2.4L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO | $10,890 – 14,960 | 2014 Kia Optima 2014 SLi Pricing and Specs |
Platinum | 2.4L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO | $12,650 – 16,830 | 2014 Kia Optima 2014 Platinum Pricing and Specs |
Si | 2.4L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO | $10,230 – 13,970 | 2014 Kia Optima 2014 Si Pricing and Specs |
$11,990
Lowest price, based on 5 car listings in the last 6 months