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:
Mirrors
Outside rearview mirror
Be sure to adjust mirror angles before
driving.
Your vehicle is equipped with both lefthand
and right-hand outside rearview
mirrors. The mirrors can be adjusted
remotely ...
Impressive Warranty
Hyundai is Kia's corporate parent, so the Optima gets Hyundai's impressive
warranty; it includes 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain protection and
5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance.
Kia is put ...
Windshield defrosting and defogging
WARNING - Windshield
heating
Do not use the or position
during cooling operation in
extremely humid weather. The difference
between the temperature of
the outside air and the windshield
could c ...


