Kia Optima 2004 review

The Korean car maker's Australian arm has achieved impressive growth by refusing to base local sales exclusively on the cheaper end of the small car market.

Instead, it has cherry-picked a growing line-up of well-engineered and attractively priced models.

Then, with the financial might of the factory, it has promoted its products with big-budget sponsorship using global favourite Andre Agassi and the standing of the Australian Open tennis championship.

Explore the 2004 Kia Optima range

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• Kia Optima 2004 review
• Kia Optima 2004 review

Sales growth over the past few years tells the story: 7013 units in 1997 to more than 16,000 so far this year.

Kia Australian invested large helpings of time and effort, researching what potential buyers really wanted – and the prices they were prepared to pay for various models.

When the second-generation Optima large car was launched in Korea, the Aussie arm ticked every box in the specification menu.

Then it entered into negotiations with the factory to make sure the price was right.

After much arm-wrestling, Kia Motors agreed to supply a fully featured, V6-engined medium car at a most attractive price of $26,950.

Well-priced, indeed, for a car which comes with full leather upholstery, alloy wheels, a Tiptronic-style automatic gearbox plus anti-lock brakes, electronic traction control and cruise control.

Kia expects to sell no more than 80 units a month in the six-cylinder segment dominated by Commodore and Falcon.

But success in such company presents Kia's credentials to forge further up-market in the future with more expensive models.

Optima may look a little too close in price to the hugely successful large cars – particularly right now when run-out pricing is dragging popular models below the $30,000 level. But when one factors in all the standard equipment, and what would have to be paid for a Commodore or Falcon with the same finery, Optima grows in stature as a package to be considered.

Optima may be a little bland and unadventurous in its styling.

But to make up for any shortcomings in its design, it does come powered by a most proficient driveline.

The car runs a new 24-valve DOHC 2.7-litre V6 engine developed by its parent, Hyundai, for Sonata.

The motor comes mated to a four-speed electronic automatic gearbox with a sequential manual selection facility and torque converter which locks up the top three gears.

With a fairly modest 132kW on tap, power may not be the engine's most enduring features, but torque is decent at 245Nm.

Optima takes a fairly leisurely 9.5 seconds to reach 100km/h from standstill on its way to a claimed top speed of 207km/h.

But once under way, good torque characteristics give the model acceptable response.

One of the highlights of the new Kia is its fully independent suspension made up of double wishbone and coil springs at the front, and multi-link and coil springs at the rear.

With only moderate power inflicted on the well-sorted chassis, Optima remains nice and flat when pressed through corners or when lane changing at speed.

And remember, the car is armed with traction control to keep it on the straight and level.

Spring settings strike a good compromise between top ride comfort and excellent handling.

Potholes encountered along the way are soaked up rapidly.

The vehicle's safety equipment includes dual airbags, four-channel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution plus electronic traction control.

Central locking with remote operation, halogen headlights, variable speed windscreen wipers, 15in alloy wheels, plus tinted glass also come as part of the package. So does airconditioning, six-speaker audio system with CD player, cruise control and leather-trimmed steering wheel.

And to complete the long list of standard items, leather upholstered seats, door trim, armrests and gear knob, electric windows and woodgrain trim on the centre console and door armrests are included at no additional cost.

There are numerous other features to enhance driver comfort and convenience, plus adjustment to the driver's seat and steering wheel, variable lumbar support and lots of places to store items from public view.

At a glance

Not the most dynamic car on the road by any means.

But for those looking for a well-priced six-cylinder large car with the lot, Optima commands consideration.

Older buyers will be attracted by the many standard inclusions in this package, which is claimed to deliver economy of 10.5 litres/100km to the light-footed owner.

Without question, this is a genuine offering which drives nicely, has good grip and traction and is undeniably comfortable to drive or be driven in.

The car boasts a long list of items not included when the former Optima was discontinued two years ago – yet the car is $500 cheaper.