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:
Overheating
If your temperature gauge indicates
overheating, if you experience a loss
of power, or if you hear a loud knocking
or pinging noise, the engine has
probably overheated. Should any of
these sympto ...
Fuel filler lid
Opening the fuel filler lid
The fuel filler lid must be opened from
inside the vehicle by pressing the fuel
filler lid opener button on the driver’s
door. (if equipped)
NOTICE
If the fuel fi ...
2009 Kia Optima / Magentis
At first glance the redesigned 2009 Kia Optima (sold in Canada as the
Magentis) looks like a marked improvement over the outgoing model.
The design itself, while not exactly breathtaking, is on pa ...


