Kia Optima 2004 review

This is the second model to be sold here but the first was off-the-pace compared with its blood brother the Hyundai Sonata.

The Kia made do with a smaller capacity engine and other potential shortcomings that may have thrown buyers off the scent.

That has been addressed with the new model which hits the market head-on at $26,950 complete with a 2.7-litre, twin cam V6 engine lifted from the Hyundai Santa Fe and other models.

Hyundai owns Kia.

Optima's sheet metal is pretty much identical to the previous model with a new face and a new rump giving it a lift.

The front end looks business-like without being trend-setting while the rear end is disctictive and attractive.

It's about the same size as a Camry, perhaps a little smaller overall but the interior is roomy and can take five comfortable, esspecially with the factory fitted leather upholstery and all the other trimmings included in the price.

Kia certainly makes outher makes look like Scrooge McDuck when it comes to standard equipment.

Optima has a swag of goodies to sway you its way – aircon, cruise control with steering wheel control buttons, a decen audio system, power ancillaries, alloys, traction control, dual front air bags, ABS and a four speed auto with tiptronic function – all standard equipment. The V6 is good for 132kW/245Nm and its capably harnessed by the adaptive four speed auto.

The engine is reasonably economical but there is a tendency to mild torque steer if you use maximum acceleration in the low gears.

Fuel consumption averages around 9.0L/100km with mixed driving and its regular unleaded.

The engine is smooth, quiet and responsive and feels livelier than in Hyundai's products for some reason.

The Koreans have put some effort into ride quality cars like the Optima which while not sporty, is nevertheless confident and comfy in a wide range of conditions. The suspension is independent all round with double wishbones on the front and multi-links at the rear with passive rear steering built in.

It sits on the road well and has good dynamics including the steering and the brakes.

The leather clad steering wheel is too slippery.

Though Kumho tyres might not enjoy a reputation for handling and grip like some of the more fancied brands, the test car stuck tight on greasy roads indicating the tyres don't deserve their disparaging reputation. They can be pressed to squeal when cornering.

There's plenty of boot space and the critical rear seat legroom measurement is good for a car this size.

A range of electronics controls the Optima's dynamics including traction control, electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and ABS.

Night vision is aided by the supplementary driving lights.

The interior has a neat modern look but could do with a bit of relief from the plastic. Any questions about fit and finish with Korean cars seems to be a thing of the past. The Optima has a solid feel and tight gaps to the interior and also the body panels.