Owning
The Kia's length, width and stretched wheelbase provide excellent legroom in the rear. The boot is also generous, with a 420-litre luggage capacity. In the front, though, the cabin doesn't give you the same sense of space, because the driving position is flawed. Upper-range LS and V6 models get an electric driver's seat as standard, but it doesn't adjust low enough. The amount of reach and rake movement on the steering wheel isn't sufficient, either, so you end up feeling cramped. Seats don't offer much side support either. And although the Kia is very well screwed together, it is summed up by annoying touches such as the aftermarket-style radio and indicators that are on the wrong side of the steering wheel - which ruin the everyday ownership experience. The weighting of the controls could also be better. But equipment levels are very good indeed, though arguably they have to be, given some steep list prices. Depreciation will also be a bit steep, while returns of 38.8mpg from our diesel test car were disappointing - though it had very few miles on the clock. Looser engines often return better figures.
See also:
Sunroof
If your vehicle is equipped with this
feature, you can slide or tilt your sunroof
with the sunroof control buttons
located on the overhead console.
The sunroof can only be opened,
closed, or ti ...
Special driving conditions
Hazardous driving conditions
When hazardous driving conditions
are encountered such as water,
snow, ice, mud, sand, or similar hazards,
follow these suggestions:
• Drive cautiously and allow ex ...
Price Ranges
The base Optima LX is priced at $16,355 with a 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed
manual transmission and an extra $1,295 with a 5-speed automatic. An LX V6 costs
$19,345 and comes only with the automa ...


