Kia Problems

There was a time, not so long ago, when no one would dare attempt to crash the Holden-Ford party that for so long defined the Australian market, but that's all changed.NEWNo longer are the Commodore and Falcon the dominating forces they once were, their influence is on the wane big time if you look at the latest sales numbers.Today's buyer has much more choice as other carmakers have edged into the market and consumers have chosen to downsize to slightly smaller models, like Kia's Optima. The Korean carmaker clearly saw the trend and landed its mid-sized sedan in an attempt to win over some of those moving away from the big two.Kia rolled out two models in the Optima range, beginning with the Platinum that came packed with just about everything you could want, and followed by the more modestly equipped Si. The attractive sedan not only looked good, it was able to seat five adults in decent comfort, even in the back. Add to that a good-sized boot and a split-fold rear seat and you had a pretty impressive package.The power package consisted of a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission that delivered a good combination of performance and economy. The good news was that local engineers tuned the suspension for local roads, and the result was impressive.While it was impressive on the road, it was also well equipped to handle a crash with front, head and side airbags, ABS brakes, emergency brake assistance, traction control and ESP stability control. It was also impressively equipped with climate controlled air, cruise, leather upholstery, Xenon headlamps, CD sound and a host of other features.NOWKia has been one of the notable makes in recent times and few Carsguide readers have had cause to contact the desk with complaints. Cars sampled in recent times have all been well built and solid on the road, devoid of rattles and squeaks that can ruin the experience of stepping up to a later model.The earliest examples of the TF Optima will have now accumulated up to 50,000 km, so the showroom gloss has yet to fully fade. Even so it's important to conduct a thorough examination of any car under consideration for purchase. All cars, no matter the make or model, or sticker price, can have problems, even from new.Before handing over your cash go for a longish drive with the seller and observe closely for any odd noises, vibrations, bangs and bumps that might suggest something untoward is lurking under the sheetmetal. Drive the car at various speeds from walking pace to highway cruise, accelerate softly and more aggressively, let it idle, use the power steering, check the brakes, and put the automatic transmission through its paces.If anything that appears unusual is detected consider having a mechanic or your motoring club check the car for you. In addition to driving the car lift the bonnet and check for oil leaks. While you're at it run through all the features on the car, the power windows, central locking, sound system, cruise, air-conditioning etc. to make sure they're working as they should be.Having thoroughly test driven the car and carefully inspected it without finding any glaring faults you can buy the Optima with confidence.SMITHY SAYSRoomy, well equipped mid-sized four-door that can be approached with confidence. 3.5 starsKia Optima 2010-2012Price new: $30,490 to $36,990Engine: 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, 148kW/250NmTransmission: 6-speed automatic, FWDThirst: 7.9L/100kmBody: 4-door sedanVariants: Si, PlatinumSafety: 5-star ANCAP

The Soul was created to appeal to younger motorists with the desire to personalise their ride to suit their lifestyle.NEWWhile that idea might put the frighteners up older motorists it shouldn't, because under that funky skin lies a really practical small car that makes perfect sense for the times.It's called a hatch, but looks like a wagon and has oodles of inner space for its relatively diminutive exterior dimensions. With its upright style it is easy to get in and out of the Soul, and when you're in you find it's quite roomy with good head and legroom. The squarish shape means those in the rear seat also have plenty of room as well as those in the front seats.The rear seats split and fold down, and the big square opening in the rear allows big, boxy items to be loaded with easily. While the Soul is a practical little device that should appeal across a broad spectrum of buyers it's also funky enough to appeal to the younger set, particularly things like mood lighting, and USB and iPod connectivity.Two engines were offered. One was a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that gave the Soul decent acceleration without being breathtaking; the other was a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel that delivered good fuel economy. There was also the choice of a four-speed auto and a 5-speed manual, the auto a smooth operator, but lacking a sport-shift function. Kia offered the Soul in three variants, starting with the entry-level hatch, before moving up to the 2 and on to the 3 at the top of the range.NOWIt has to be said that the Soul is relatively new to the market and the earliest examples are yet to reach 50,000 km, so it's too early to say conclusively that there aren't any hidden issues that have yet to surface. But at the same time we can say that we receive relatively few complaints about Kia cars in general, which means the future really does look quite rosy for the Soul.A recent spin in a Soul revealed it to be well built and nicely finished, there was nothing about it that would suggest it had any hidden demons. The petrol-powered hatch drove sweetly, with enough punch to hold its own in traffic, the auto transmission was smooth and unfussed. There was no sport-shift function, but it was happy to shuffle along with the lever planted in 'D'.On the road it was quiet, the ride was comfortable, and there was plenty of room inside. For anyone thinking of buying a used SUV it would be worth adding the Soul to the shopping list as it gives you the upright stance of the SUV without all the complicated gubbins that come with the all-wheel drive system. When checking a used Soul prior to purchase check for a service record that confirms it has been properly maintained and make the usual checks for dodgy crash repairs.SMITHY SAYSNeat, roomy and economical little urban cruiser that makes perfect sense.Kia Soul 2009-2010Price new: $22,990 to $30,890Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 91 kW/156 Nm; 1.6-litre turbo-diesel 4-cylinder, 94 kW/260 NmTransmission: 4-speed auto, 5-speed manual, FWDEconomy: 7.0 L/100 km, 5.9 L/100 km (TD)Body: 5-door hatchVariants: Soul, Soul 2, Soul 3Safety: 4-star ANCAPCOMING UPDo you own a Toyota Yaris? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.