KIA OPTIMA REVIEW

The 2011 Optima enters as a brand-new contender in the medium sedan segment.

Available in Australia in top-shelf Platinum grade only, the lower-spec Optima Si and SLi models will arrive towards the end of the year.

INTERIOR

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• Quality: Plastics, leather seats and dash materials feel as good as any competitor; fit and finish is equally good.

• Comfort: Although the seats need more bolstering in the squab - they’re too flat - the power-adjustable lumbar support and seatback bolstering is good.
  
  Steering is height and reach adjustable; dash controls are well laid out and within easy reach.
  
  With a very long 2795mm wheelbase, the Optima offers exceptional front and rear legroom. Rear head and shoulder room is also good.

• Equipment: Cruise control, dual-zone aircon, ventilated and heated power-adjustable seats, 530W eight-speaker Infinity audio, iPod/Bluetooth connectivity, LED daytime-running lights, high-intensity discharge headlights, cornering lights, keyless entry and start are standard.
  
  A panoramic glass roof, with sliding sunroof, is also standard.
  
  Touch-screen and GPS navigation are conspicuously absent for now, due to be added in the fourth quarter of 2011. An electronic parking brake will also then replace the foot-operated brake.

• Storage: With 505 litres of rear storage, boot space in the Optima is about average for the segment. The rear seats also offer 60/40 split-folding for increased storage access.

ON THE ROAD

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• Driveability: The Optima’s GDI engine provides good acceleration, although lacking power and torque until around 3000rpm. For overtaking, a down-shift or two with either the steering-mounted paddles or centre shifter helps the Optima find its feet.
  
  It also benefits from a tight 10.9 metres turning circle, compared to the shorter Camry’s 11.8 metres. Headchecks are compromised by the coupe-like C-pillars, although the large side mirrors help.

• Refinement: Despite riding on 18-inch alloy rims to accommodate the large brakes, road noise in the Optima is low, as is wind noise. Engine noise however is a little harsh above 5000rpm.

• Suspension: MacPherson struts up front and multi-link rear. Australian models get specially-tuned suspension which, combined with larger wheels and low-profile tyres, results in a well-connected ride and surprisingly good handling.
  
  Uneven surfaces can intrude, but, overall, the Optima is a comfortable drive.

• Braking: Large ventilated discs up front and solid rear discs provide good braking performance with a smooth pedal feel.

SAFETY

• ANCAP rating: (Not yet ANCAP tested.)

• Safety features: Six airbags, active front headrests, ESC, Hill-Start Assist, ABS braking, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist System, five-seat seatbelt reminder, reversing camera and side sensors,

WARRANTY AND SERVICING

• Warranty: Five-year / unlimited-kilometres.

• Service costs: None over $400, with most services around the $250 mark. Consult with your dealer before purchase.

HOW IT COMPARES | VALUE FOR MONEY

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• Hyundai i45 Premium ($38,990) - Same platform as the Optima, with the same engine, transmission, wheelbase, storage capacity and warranty. That said, they do have different suspension tunes and both feel like different cars. The Optima carries a $2000 price advantage. (See i45 reviews)

• Toyota Camry Grande ($39,990) - Optima is longer, roomier (20 litres smaller boot), more powerful (but 20kg heavier), with comparable features and better fuel economy. Camry has more brand cachet, but the Optima costs $3000 less. (See Camry reviews)

• Honda Accord Euro Luxury ($43,290) - Equal power, similar torque and comparable features - but a much heavier price. The Euro however is the benchmark leader in the sub-$50k medium segment. (See Accord Euro reviews)

Other Competitors offering similar power, features and driving quality:

• Mazda6 Luxury ($40,905)
• Ford Mondeo Titanium ($43,490)
• Skoda Octavia ($35,790)
• Suzuki Kizashi Sport ($39,990)
• Subaru Liberty Sports Premium ($43,490)

TMR VERDICT | OVERALL

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The stylish Optima Platinum is, as an overall package, a genuine competitor for the best in the medium segment and a serious buyer option right up to the $45,000 mark.

At the wheel, there is a sense that a $36,990 sticker-price for this Kia sedan, an absurd notion 10 years ago, is perfectly appropriate today. Kia’s Optima Platinum is good buying.

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• reply ” like !

  

  jet says,
  1 year ago

  Looks fantastic in blue. Looks wise hard to fault, maybe the wheels are the only part I'm not sold on.
• reply ” like !

  

  pro-logic says,
  1 year ago

  Any news on the 2.0T?
  • reply ” like !

    

    Mike Stevens [TMR] says,
    1 year ago

    1 like

    Hi, Pro-Logic. Kia Australia is pressing for the turbo model to be made available in Australia, along with the hybrid and the coming wagon bodystyle.
    
    Similarly, the R diesel engine is not entirely off the table, but availability and production capacity is the main issue here. KMA has said though that it will consider this option if the demand comes into showrooms.
    
    For now though, there are no firm plans and KMA intends to monitor local sales of the Optima before taking steps to expand beyond the GDI engine and the sedan body.
    • reply ” like !

      

      pro-logic says,
      1 year ago

      1 like

      Thanks Mike,
      
      Going down to my local dealer and telling them I want the 2.0T then
      
• reply ” like !

  

  WheresBear says,
  1 year ago

  1 like

  I think this with the 2.0 R Series diesel could be fun - my Mazda 6 turbo diesel with 105kW / 360Nm is a hoot to drive with amazing rolling acceleration and class leading handling - though it only came with 6-spd manual. A 135kW / 392Nm R series with the 6-spd auto (a la Sportage) could be a winner though am sure somewhere in the world (Europe?) Optima is offered with TDI?
  
  
  • reply ” like !

    

    Martin1491 says,
    1 year ago

    I agree! Optima with the 2.0L R diesel would be fantastic.
• reply ” like !

  

  pro-logic says,
  1 year ago

  Bummer, my local dealer is yet to take delivery. He was supposed to get it on Friday, but says not to hold out hope till first week of Feb. Wonder why.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Mike Stevens [TMR] says,
    1 year ago

    Overseas demand for the Optima has limited Kia Australia's allocation for 2011 to 1000 cars. Kia HQ is looking at its options for expanding production beyond its Korean plant, however.
    • reply ” like !

      

      Wheelnut says,
      1 year ago

      Hyundai-Kia have said that they would strongly consider buiding an Assembly Plant in Australia if they sold 30-40,000 cars here in a year.. given their stedy increase in popularity etc it could be a matter of time
    • reply ” like !

      

      pro-logic says,
      1 year ago

      Only 1000 cars? I hope that's not a hard limit, this car looks great, and if sales pick up 1000 really is not that many. I guess that makes them 'unique' since there will be very few of them on the road for the next 12 months. Will call around Sydney and see who's got them. Might need to drop in to Kia HQ since that's not too far away.
      
      From what the dealer told me today, (granted a car salesman) there were already lots of inquiries from the two or three days of ads that have been running.
      
      I guess with a 1000 car limit for the year, the availability of the newer models with satnav, electronic parking break and possibly different drive trains could be delayed if we the 1000 car allocation gets used up.
      
      As for the video, you guys really love the ANU campus / acton area! It's also good to see that Canberra's peak hour traffic is much the same as it used to be.
      • reply ” like !

        

        Mike Stevens [TMR] says,
        1 year ago

        Aah, that's an official Kia video. It is a great one though. I've renamed the video to make that fact a little more obvious. Apologies for the confusion.
• reply ” like !

  Anthony Mindel says,
  1 year ago

  I will rather have the Honda Accord Euro,as it has proven quality,not yet sold on Kias quality after owning a Carnival,which was a lemon,the worst car we have EVER owned in our Family by far....
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  Will says,
  1 year ago

  A medium size machine without a diesel option. I have also noted the press up-writing these second class citizens to the automotive world through no other reason that General Motors re-badge them as either, 'Holden' or 'Chevrolet'. A little saddening.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Mike Stevens [TMR] says,
    1 year ago

    2 likes

    I'm sorry, Will, are you referring to Daewoo? Kia's relationship is with Hyundai, not Daewoo.
    
    As I've mentioned above, a diesel option is expected for the future, but for now there's a bottleneck on the R diesel's production. Kia Australia can hardly be expected to simply leave the Optima off the local market because of that.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Wheelnut says,
    1 year ago

    Will – you claim that the Kia is a second class citizen in the Automotive world. However Hyundai-Kia is the worlds fastest growing Car company and sales figures of Hyundai and Kia both here and overseas are steadily increasing month after month.. Unlike Skoda.
    
    Which means that more and more people are seeing that Hyundai and Kia are exceptional value for money Unlike Skoda.
    
    So if anything Skoda is more of a second class citizen than Hyundai Kia is – I mean Hyundais and Kias are available in the worlds biggest market the USA –Unlike your beloved Skoda.
    
    You also claim that the only reason the media is talking up the Kia is because of GMs connections [LOL] Yet you could also say that the only reason the media has been talking up the Skoda Octavia is because of VWs uinfluence… couldn’t you?
    
    Thing is the reviews involving Kias and Hyundais is having more of a positive effect on the sale of their cars.. than the reviews of Skoda vehicles are
    
    
    
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  MotorMouth says,
  1 year ago

  And you assessment is based on what? Given sales of the Holden Cruze, I would suggest it is the right car for the market, it outsold Falcon a few times last year, which makes it quite hard to be critical, don't you think? You couldn't give me a Cruze but that doesn't mean that it is not a great car for a great many other people.
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  says,
  1 year ago

  This car, for the money, cannot be beaten in terms of equipment, as standard. Having said that, it would appear not to offer rain sensing wipers which are rather commonplace these days.
  
  To Mike Stevens. I'd like to ask if you can shed any light on how the "easy access function" for the drivers seat works?
  • reply ” like !

    

    pro-logic says,
    1 year ago

    1 like

    My guess, without having a chance to check out the car, would be that the 'easy access' would just pull the seat back as far as it will go, and when you turn the car on, the seat gets set back to your preset position. This being possible since its an electric seat.
    • reply ” like !

      

      Mike Stevens [TMR] says,
      1 year ago

      1 like

      This is correct. When the vehicle is switched off, the seat moves back, and returns to its set position once the driver is seated and the car is turned on.
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  pro-logic says,
  1 year ago

  Something particularly stupid I noticed is that the US spec version has both front driver and passenger seats ventilated. The AU spec only has the driver.
  
  You'd think all these regional variations would increase production costs.
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  MotorMouth says,
  1 year ago

  That's $25,400 plus all applicable taxes, then all on-road costs. Taxes probably add around 15%, which gets us up to around 30 grand. Then add in the fact that they probably set pricing based on a 80c to 85c to the US dollar, because it's hard to increase prices when the US dollar recovers, and you are looking at as much as $36,500. It is also likely that they are taking a hit on price while they import them from Korea and have set prices based on local (US) manufacture, where I believe production starts later in the year.
  There are so many factors at play, it is pointless to whine about how much this or that costs in other markets. Of course Kia make more money on each car sold here than they do in the US, simply because they sell thousands more cars and can afford to make less on each one. It's simple logic.
  • reply ” like !

    

    pro-logic says,
    1 year ago

    Yes, I understand this. This is also related to right-hand drive market being far smaller globally, and only having upto 1000 cars for a year to sell, thus the margins have to be much larger so the dealers don't go out of business.
    
    My rant was more directed at the fact that the same manufacturer, can release models that are similar, but not identical. I would have though the variation in equipment and assembly would make it more expensive. I also have a personal dislike of not being able to get the similar spec-ed items in Australia with the excuse of 'the market is to small' etc. If you don't want to put it in the standard car, at least make it an option.
    • reply ” like !

      says,
      1 year ago

      1 like

      It is hard to understand the way that auto manufacturers work. It does actually surprise me that Hyundai and Kia seem quite happy to compete with each other in the marketplace. The i45 and Optima are directly competing against each other. I guess at the end of they day their attitude is, whether we sell an i45 or an Optima, who cares, the profit goes to the same company anyway.
      
      
      • reply ” like !

        

        pro-logic says,
        1 year ago

        1 like

        Yeah, I think this is more about market penetration. Like toothpaste, the more shelf space you take up in the supermarket the more sales you'll have, since it looks like there is more choice, even if you read the composition, it's 99.9% identical.
        
        I find it odd that the 'options' available here are less then those O/S. I used to chalk it up to the RHD conversion stuffing up the car layout. Recently however, I tend to think it's more of the auto manufacturers not giving a toss about Australia since it's such a tiny market, which is irritating, because if I have the money, I don't see why I shouldn't be able to buy a product that somebody O/S can buy, that's kind of the point of globalisation. Usually this is an easy fix, buy O/S get it shipped. However, the Australian import regulations make it almost impossible to import a car. [/rant] I'm going to get a beer.
        • reply ” like !

          

          MotorMouth says,
          1 year ago

          Clearly you are way off-base, given Kia's considerable effort to tune their cars' suspension for Australian conditions. The lack of sat-nav is very likely down to the expense of maps for Australia, compared to the US. i.e. It costs more to do it for Australia, so they don't. Or it coudl be a supply issue - they may not have enough sat-nav units to go around so they stick to the big markets. Again, it is pointless speculating. Of course, at the end of the day, we are men and we don't need sat-nav because we know where we are and we know where we're going. Even if sat-nav was a no cost option, I wouldn't bother with it - by planning your trip in advance, you actually learn your way around, where you could use a sat-nav for years and never learn how to get anywhere, because you pay all your attention to it, not to where you are going.
• reply ” like !

  says,
  1 year ago

  Had a look at one today....very impressive. Looks even better in the flesh. Most dealers, apparently, will only get one per month, Some dealers, one every 2 months.
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  WheresBear says,
  1 year ago

  Yeah this is a problem - Eagers Kia in Brisbane didn't have one. I went to buy a Sportage Platinum a month ago - money in pocket and ready to sign then was told 26 week wait so decided to sit back and see what else appealed. I'm keen on the Optima although tempted by waiting for the update later this year with the touch screen and electric parking brake but might be convinced to get one now since I have the cash. Since I can't even see one I'm sitting back again. The Mazda Skydrive equipped ranges are on the horizon now so someone better come up with a car soon that I can see, drive etc otherwise they're going to lose a sale. I won't be the only one either.
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  MotorMouth says,
  1 year ago

  GO and have a look at a new Guilietta. I was in an Alfa showroom over the weekend and it is stunning, inside and out.
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  WheresBear says,
  1 year ago

  I have checked out Alfa's would you believe - originally looking at a smaller car with offering like the new Kia Cerato 6-spd hatch, VW Polo 77TSI Comfortline (and others) on the 'to look at' list. Checked out the little Alfa Romeo Mito which has a lot going for it but have been put off by lack of dealership choices, horrendous parts, servicing and insurance costs and poor resale. Ironically the Guilietta (which is a great looking car) is easily mistaken for the Cerato hatch from the hind/rear three-quarter angle.
  
  I get the distinct impression that there are big things happening in new cars in the next 12 months - more so that there has been in the past - with a real coming of age of Korean built products and the jump in technology that is becoming standard in modern cars. Even the humble Holden Commodore has an impressive media-suite as standard on most models now. Even the $20k Cerato has media streaming capability now.
  
  I'm holding on for the Skydrive equipped Mazda's before making a decision though the update diesel Sportage Platinum or Optima late in the year happen first.
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  pro-logic says,
  1 year ago

  Had a chance to check out the Optima in person, it's beautiful. It was the graphite colour, looks really good. Turns out they are still not available for 'sale' as such, you need to sign up, and the delivery date is still not confirmed, or so said the dealer.
  
  Also tempted to wait till the electronic break model, just not a fan of the foot operated one. I do however believe that that's going to be a MY12 plate thing. Looking at when kia releases their 'next years plate' cars it's going to be around August - that's my guestimate anyway.
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  WheresBear says,
  1 year ago

  Good luck trying to get one. As of April 2011 there is a minimum 12-16 week wait though apparently there are some down spec surplus Asian stock being sold (no seat heaters or ventilation) in Australia. However these are almost gone as well.
  
  The Sportage diesel availability hasn't improved - now at 24 weeks lead time so is only getting worse. Will probably have the update models out by the time you could get one.
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  ronnie says,
  9 months ago

  Buying a black platinum next week ,great car,checked it out very carefully against other new cars,this car was in front easily.what you get for the price is great value, can't wait to pick it up
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  Adrenalin Junkie says,
  9 months ago

  Has anyone heard if Kia is still going to supply Optimas with GPS and ebrake before the end of the year.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Mike Stevens [TMR] says,
    9 months ago

    Hi AJ,
    
    We haven't heard any updates on this one, but with a few months left in the year, we haven't had a reason to poke them about it yet either. I'll be sure to bring it up the next time I speak with Kia, though.
    
    Cheers.
    • reply ” like !

      

      Adrenalin Junkie says,
      9 months ago

      1 like

      Thanks. I will watch and wait
      
    • reply ” like !

      

      Adrenalin Junkie says,
      9 months ago

      Hi Mike. I contacted Kia and have attached their reply. Thank you for contacting Kia Motors Australia.
       
      Satellite navigation has not yet been developed for any right hand drive markets in the world as it has been a very low factory priority, right hand drive vehicle production accounts for approximately 3% -5% of Kia Motors total worldwide production. However Kia Motors Australia have been doing some development on navigation systems for the factory and are well under way but believe it will only be a factory fit option on the Sorento Platinum, Sportage Platinum and Optima Platinum models, pricing is a long way from being confirmed but believe the factory option will add in the order of $3,000 - $4,000 to the vehicle. I don’t believe satellite navigation will be available as an option till the earliest 1st quarter 2012.
      • reply ” like !

        

        Mike Stevens [TMR] says,
        8 months ago

        The proactive approach! Good work AJ, thanks for that.
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  Chris Carr says,
  4 months ago

  I have recently purchased the Optima and find it exceptional value for money and its appointments. It looks great but cant understand why some of the vehicles have the Platimum badge on the boot and some do not as they are all sold as Optima Platinum. Again some have the heated seat and some do not even though all the specs in the brochures are listed as standard. I am extremely pleased with my Optima and purchased after comparing, Holden Cruse/Honda accord and Euro,Hyundai i45s,Camry,Skoda Octavia and others .I saw good value , really stylish looks and its appointments are all standard bar the Paint colours. The interior and exterior finish are excellent.
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    Luke says,
    4 months ago

    Platinum badges are the cars developed for Australia, Optimas without the platinum badge are from Asian stock imported from a lack of aussie spec cars, so the dealer told me.
    • reply ” like !

      

      Chris Carr says,
      4 months ago

      1 like

      Thanks Luke for that explanation, however I am cotacting KIA Australia on this matter.
      • reply ” like !

        

        Chris Carr says,
        4 months ago

        Luke ,have got my answers from KIA Australia, am now following up with dealer, hope fully I will get some satisfactory explanations. I am still really pleased with my Optima and can't fault it with exception of the discrepiency of the badging. The vehicle as a whole is tremendous, other reports state the motor is a little noisey when cold, this is true but it is only minor., economy is good , ride as I like it., braking is perfect and cruising ., well the revs for the speed you are doing are low and gives you a feel that the car is really happy doing its own thing not once have I had to fiddle with the paddle shifts although I expect it would do exactly what you ask of it., the auto is excellent,quick and responds to the drivers mode of driving., in all a great vehicle and KIA can be proud of what they have put into the market, hopefully marketing and derivities wont spoil the original product.
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  Chris Carr says,
  3 months ago

  Well, have had not a good response from Kia or the dealer, the dealer Principle even sent me a survey, replied and supplied all the info ,that was over a week ago and no response. The vehicle is going well not a problem at all, oh well I guess I will just to get on with my life and enjoy the Optima without The PLATINUM Badge and Heated and Cooled Front seats and be more observant next time I purchase from KIA.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Ben says,
    2 months ago

    Chris,
    
    If you haven't received what you were told you would get, you need to follow up. This is potentially an issue for the ACCC if you can't get satisfaction from the dealer.
    
    Advertised features MUST be included in the vehicle purchased. I the car is not an Aussie spec car, you should have been told.
    
    Keep pushing.
    • reply ” like !

      

      Chris Carr says,
      2 months ago

      Thanks Ben, we are certainly considering contacting the ACCC as we still have not heard back from the Dealer Principle at this point in time.
• reply ” like !

  

  RM says,
  1 month ago

  I have just purchased a 2012 Optima Platinum -traded in a late model HSV Senator (300kw+).I am astonished at how well it handles, corners & accelerates.It has an amazing range of electronic aids & accessories.You almost feel like a celebrity as its striking appearance attracts so much attention wherever you go. Because of the limited numbers available in Australia people are really curious to find out what make it is.Don't believe the mostly inaccurate blurbs by the so-called expert motoring writers - drive the Optima yourself & hopefully buy one.This is a fantastic car at a very reasonable price that drives beautifully & has features that would rival some of the best European marques.With a standard 5 year unlimited kms warranty plus 3 years dealer warranty ie 8 years warranty in total you aren't risking anything.