One of the most successful Kia Optima models underwent an update in 2016, and we are not talking about another restyling, but about a generational change. Although in appearance you cannot tell, since the fourth generation sedan at first glance is practically no different from its predecessor. When you look at the photos of the fourth Optima, you involuntarily ask yourself a question: well, why was it necessary to spend a lot of resources to cook the still not forgotten old, only with a new sauce? However, upon closer examination, you understand that this is still a really modernized model, the modifications of which are fully justified. Read about what it is in our review!

Design

Exterior changes to the Optima are minimal. Many details, proportions and silhouette have been preserved, but windows have been cut in the rear pillars, and the lines of parting of the cargo compartment door and hood have also changed. The originality of the four-door is emphasized by the embossed sidewalls, narrow headlights and taillights, graceful door handles and a narrowed branded radiator grille in the "smile of a tiger" style (or rather, it would be called a "grin"), and rather large outside mirrors provide good visibility. During the modernization, the length, height and wheelbase of the car increased by 10 mm, and the width increased by 30 mm, which cannot be seen in the photo, but can be felt in the cabin - it definitely became a little more spacious than before.

By the way, the trunk of the novelty, like the previous version, is roomy - it holds 510 liters. luggage at least. The tailgate hinges are now plastic wrapped. If we talk about the design in general, the Optima 2016 has it very stylish and modern - in such a car it is not a shame to go with friends to a fashionable party, especially since you do not immediately recognize an "Asian" in it, except by the nameplates. In the city, the Korean sedan is always appropriate and looks like "own", demonstrating quite urban habits.

Design

The fourth Optima platform is borrowed from the previous generation model and refined to improve handling. The MacPherson front suspension subframe is now attached to the body not through 2, but through 4 bushings, the rear trailing arms have slightly increased in length (in this regard, the distance between the axles of the wheels has increased by 10 mm - up to 2.805 m), and their silent blocks have become more rigid. The attachment points of the subframes to the body were placed wider, the front hub bearings were reinforced, and the alloy wheels were made stiffer by as much as 83%.

Adaptation to Russian conditions

In order to improve the Optima's position in the Russian market, it not only improved the suspension, but also increased the ground clearance from 135 to 155 mm - thanks to the high ground clearance, the sedan became more confident in overcoming various obstacles on the roads. In addition, the four-door received a rich "winter" package of options - it includes a heated windshield in the rest area of \u200b\u200bthe wipers, without exception, all seats, side mirrors and a steering wheel. Kia also worked on soundproofing: the level of noise and vibration has been reduced by a couple of percent due to new window seals and more effective insulation under the floor and behind the dashboard.

Comfort

The interior of the new generation model is slightly more spacious than that of its predecessor, which is mainly due to the increase in size. This is especially noticeable in the second row seats, where there is more legroom and headroom. The knees of the rear passengers will be comfortable, even if you move the front seats back all the way. The windows in the rear doors do not fully drop, manually pull-out curtains are relied on only in the top-end GT Line and GT trim levels. In addition, air ducts, a 12 Volt outlet and a USB port for charging mobile devices are provided at the back. At the front, you can wirelessly charge your smartphone on a dedicated platform in the center console (Prestige, GT Line and GT versions).

Seats in the first row have a rigid frame, too wide-set side bolsters, leather upholstery pleasant to the touch, as well as heating and ventilation functions. The driver's seat has a wide range of longitudinal adjustment, and the front passenger seat has power control buttons on the side, thanks to which the person sitting behind can move the empty seat if necessary and thereby free up legroom for themselves. The quality of the finishing of the seats and the interior as a whole does not cause any questions. The center console is turned towards the driver and attracts attention with the climate control units and the media system, made in the style of BMW. The selected temperature regime is displayed on the central display - there is no need to look for it next to the “climate” regulators. Next to the gearshift lever there are buttons for heating the steering wheel, selecting the driving modes (Sport and Normal) and a circular video review. The Optima's steering wheel is excellent - with leather wrapping, manual shift paddles (all 2-pedal models) and a truncated rim (GT Line and GT versions). The instrument cluster is no frills, but rather informative. In the center of the dashboard there is an information display with a diagonal of 3.5 to 4.3 inches, depending on the configuration.

In terms of safety, the Optima 2016 outperforms many of its competitors, since already in the base it is equipped with front and side airbags, as well as various “smart assistants”, including:

In the initial configuration, the sedan is equipped with a simple CD / MP3 audio system with six speakers, Bluetooth and AUX / USB connectors. The Harman / Kardon audio center with ten speakers (including a subwoofer with an external amplifier) \u200b\u200bwent to the most expensive versions. Starting with the Luxe version, a multimedia complex with TomTom navigation, display of traffic jams and fixing cameras, a large touch screen and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technologies is installed on the car. The touchscreen displays an image from all-round cameras.

Kia Optima Specifications

In our country, the new generation Optima is sold with three 4-cylinder 16-valve gasoline engines. Its engine range includes a two-liter 150-horsepower MPI unit with distributed injection, a 2.4-liter 188-horsepower GDI engine of the Theta-II family with direct injection, as well as a two-liter "turbo four" T-GDI (Theta-II) with recoil at 245 hp and direct injection. The first motor is paired with a six-speed "mechanics", or with an automatic transmission with the same number of steps, and the rest are combined exclusively with a 6-speed automatic transmission. All engines meet the Euro-5 eco-standard, have nothing against the 92nd gasoline and "according to the passport" consume an average of about 8 liters. fuel per 100 kilometers.

KIA Optima is a front-wheel drive mid-size car (aka "D +" class according to European standards), available in two body versions: a four-door sedan and a five-door station wagon (although the latter is only presented in Europe) ...

In general, the company itself positions its "brainchild" as a representative of the "business" segment, promoting it under the appropriate slogan - "Fly business class", and are not far from the truth - this is a really large machine that combines elegant design, modern equipment, balanced "driving" potential and reasonable redundancy in terms of equipment ...

The main target audience of "Optima" is considered to be well-off middle-aged and older men who hold executive positions of "middle management" or run their own business, who are not chasing after pathos, image or status and are not going to overpay for the brand ...

Or successful young people, for whom design is one of the decisive factors when choosing a car ...

"Pedigree"

The world debut of the KIA Optima of the third "globally" (and the first in Russia) generation took place in April 2010 at an auto show in New York, and a few months later (to be more precise, in August), the sedan appeared in front of the Russian public at International Moscow Auto Show ...

In the model range of the South Korean machine builder, the four-door was replaced by Magentis (which, by the way, was sold under this name almost all over the world, with the exception of the USA, Malaysia and some other countries - where it was originally "Optima") - a fairly large sedan with a conservative design, which was in demand among corporate fleets, taxi companies and government agencies, but was also bought by individuals. In general, the key advantage of Magentis was the following advantage - "a lot of car for little money" ...

However, it was in 2010 that the Koreans decided to completely change the ideology of their "business" sedan, extolling emotionality and quality into it, and they succeeded one hundred percent, since the three-volume "came out of the pen" of the German designer Peter Schreier. previously painted Audi models ...

And I must say, KIA Optima of the third incarnation turned out to be very successful, as evidenced by the mass of various awards (both international and regional) won over several years after its appearance:

• One of the most prestigious design awards is the Red Dot Design Award in the Best of the Best category.
• "Top Safety Pick" title by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests.
• Title "International Car of the Year" ("International car of the year") according to the authoritative American magazine Road & Travel Magazine.
• The prestigious design award is the 2011 iF product design awards.

Anything, but you can’t argue about modesty with Koreans, because KIA Optima really has a name with a claim - it comes from the Latin word “Optimum”, which means “best”.

1st generation (2010-2015)

The "first release" of the KIA Optima is based on the Hyundai-KIA YF front-wheel-drive architecture with a transverse engine and body, the power structure of which is largely composed of high-strength grades of steel, which it shares with the sixth generation Hyundai Sonata.

Exterior

The sedan reached the Russian market with a "slight" delay - in early February 2012 (by that time it was already sold in full in the USA and South Korea), where it was immediately "thrown into battle" against really serious rivals such as: Toyota Camry, Nissan Teana, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, Mazda6, Hyundai Sonata, Opel Insignia and Honda Accord ... It is worth noting that the car quite successfully squeezed into the struggle "for buyers' wallets" (thanks to the design and balance of consumer / technical qualities with a reasonable cost) ...

• 
  2012-2014
• 
  2014-2016
• 
  2014-2016

In March 2013, the restyled Optima made its debut at the stands of the International New York Auto Show, which reached Russia only almost a year later - in February 2014 (but immediately with the Kaliningrad "registration"). As a result of the renovation, the four-door was a little "refreshed" outside and inside, but at the same time it did without any serious technical metamorphoses.

Outwardly, the KIA Optima of the "first" generation turned out to be extremely successful - Peter Schreier managed to "draw" a truly attractive and one-piece car with a moderately aggressive look, which, despite its solid dimensions, definitely does not seem bulky, and even can boast of a really high-quality assembly with minimal gaps and the precise fit of the body panels.

On top of that, this three-volume is also found in a "sporty" version (it was entitled to the so-called "Sport" package), the distinctive features of which are a radiator grille with a black mesh texture, chrome touches in the front and a diffuser in the rear bumpers, as well as original wheels dimension of 18 inches (in simpler versions - 16- or 17-inch "rollers").

The Koreans approached the restyling with caution so as not to spoil one of the most successful cars in terms of appearance in the mid-size segment - all changes were eventually limited to redrawn bumpers, corrected optics and a couple of new shades for body painting.

Weight and size

In terms of dimensions, the “first Optima” is a rather large car: its length is 4845 mm, of which the wheelbase “extends” to 2795 mm, and the width and height are 1830 mm and 1455 mm, respectively. The ground clearance of the sedan in the "stowed" form does not exceed 145 mm, and the size of the front and rear track is 1591 mm.

As for the curb and full weight, their value directly depends on the version:

Interior

The salon has always been the strong point of the "first" KIA Optima - inside the sedan is made "according to German patterns", showing off a strict and restrained, but attractive design, which is not alien to a bit of sportiness. In addition to this, the four-door has European-style ergonomics, as well as finishing materials with the quality of panel fit.

After the update, the "apartments" of the car were transformed in detail, without losing any of their dignity - there was an improved "instrument panel" with a 4.3-inch display of the on-board computer, a redesigned steering wheel with a hollow circle on the hub, a new gearbox selector and a slightly modified center console. In addition, in some versions, the possibility of finishing in a "piano lacquer" was added, and chrome gave way to brushed aluminum.

The "first release" of the KIA Optima is a five-seater sedan that provides plenty of vital space in both rows of seats, but does not have the most benchmark ergonomics. At the same time, regardless of the configuration, all seats in the three-volume are heated.

Luggage compartment

With practicality, "Optima" is also in complete order - in a normal state, the trunk of a car is designed to accommodate 505 liters of luggage, but it is not able to boast of an ideal configuration and a neat finish.

In addition, the second row, when folded, forms a noticeable step, which does not add convenience when transporting long items. But in the niche under the raised floor there is always a full-size spare wheel and tools.

Specifications

In the Russian market, the KIA Optima of the "first" incarnation was offered with two four-cylinder gasoline "aspirated", equipped with distributed fuel injection, 16-valve DOHC timing belt and variable valve timing:

It is worth noting that in other countries this mid-size sedan was presented with other power units, namely:

• Gasoline turbo engine 2.0 Theta II with direct injection and "aspirated" 2.4 Theta II, producing 274 and 200 hp. respectively.
• Diesel turbo CRDi 1.7 and 2.0 liters: the first generates 136 hp, and the second - 125 hp.

Depending on the modification, the "first" KIA Optima has the following indicators of dynamics, speed and economy:

On both axles of the "Optima" of the first incarnation, independent suspensions are used, but only the classic MacPherson struts are installed in the front, and a multi-link system at the rear. At the same time "in a circle" the car is equipped with hydraulic shock absorbers, passive springs and anti-roll bars.

Disc brakes are used on all wheels of the mid-size sedan (ventilated on the front), supplemented by various electronic assistants (ABS, EBD, Brake Assist). The machine is equipped with a rack and pinion steering system with an integrated electric power steering.

In the USA, the KIA Optima of the "first" generation (although there is already the third), in addition to the usual modifications, was also offered in a hybrid version, which was equipped with a 2.4-liter "aspirated" MPI, a 41-horsepower electric motor (205 Nm), a 6-band "automatic »And lithium-polymer batteries. The total power of the hybrid drive was 209 hp. and 265 Nm of torque. At the same time, the outwardly benzo-electric version did not differ much from the usual versions.

But more interesting is the fact that in September 2011 the KIA Optima Hybrid hit the Guinness Book of Records, setting an economy record among hybrid models - during a 14-day run, the car covered a distance of 12,710 km along a route running through 48 states USA. A completely production car without any modifications with two riders and luggage demonstrated record low fuel consumption - only 3.64 liters for every “hundred” of the way.

Security

In general, the "first" KIA Optima was considered one of the safest representatives of its class, as evidenced by the high crash test results:

• The four-door achieved the highest possible rating of "Good" in tests of the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), receiving the title of "The safest car" ("Top Safety Pick").
• The sedan also received the highest "5 stars" for safety in the crash tests of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In general, we can say that Optima has no critical shortcomings as such, but nevertheless the car has a number of negative aspects, among which the owners most often highlight:

• mediocre level of interior sound insulation;
• modest ground clearance, aggravated by decent overhangs;
• rigid suspension with insufficient energy consumption;
• low liquidity in the secondary market, especially against the background of one of the main competitors - Toyota Camry.

Complete set and price

In Russia, the "first" generation KIA Optima was sold in four trim levels to choose from - "Comfort", "Luxe", "Prestige", "Premium".

On the secondary market of the Russian Federation, the first-generation mid-size Optima sedan can be purchased at a price of ≈600 ± 50 thousand rubles *, but the cost of the most “fresh” and “packed” cars exceeds ≈1.2 million rubles *.

In the basic version "Comfort", the car relies on:

• Six airbags;
• 16-inch alloy wheels;
• Front fog lights;
• LED tail lights;
• Electric drive and heated mirrors;
• Four power windows;
• Heated front and rear seats, steering wheel and washer nozzles;
• ABS + EBD;
• Cruise control;
• Dual-zone climate control;
• Six-speaker audio system;
• Leather-braided multifunction steering wheel.

The "top" modification "Premium" is distinguished by much richer equipment (in addition to the above equipment):

• Keyless entry and engine start from the button;
• Electric folding mirrors;
• Front and rear parking sensors;
• Ventilation, memory and power front seats;
• Automatic parking system;
• Bi-xenon headlights;
• Stabilization system;
• Blind spot monitoring;
• Leather interior trim;
• 18-inch alloy wheels;
• A roof with a panoramic view;
• Media center with color screen and rear view camera.

* as of the beginning of 2019

2nd generation (2015 -...)

The international premiere of the KIA Optima "globally fourth" (but second in Russia) generation thundered in April 2015 on the stage of the New York Auto Show, however, the car made its debut in the European specification only in September of the same year, but not only in conventional versions, but also in the "heated" GT-modification. Compared to its predecessor, the car has gone through evolutionary changes - it has become more solid and swift in appearance, but retained its recognizable appearance, grew in size, received a seriously modernized technical "filling" and replenished its functionality with a bunch of new options.

Optima again reached the Russian market with a slight delay - in early March 2016, but immediately with a local registration, since in February 2016 its assembly was launched at the Avtotor Kaliningrad plant.

In the spring of 2018, a restyled three-volume box appeared before the general public at a car show in Geneva (although it was shown in its homeland at the end of January under the name K5), however, the update itself turned out to be very modest - the exterior and interior were slightly corrected for the four-door, as well as new options were added to the equipment list.

The "second" KIA Optima, like the model of the previous generation, was able to collect a whole bunch of awards, among which the following can be especially highlighted:

• One of the most prestigious international awards in the field of industrial design "Red Dot Awards 2016".
• An equally significant design award is the iF Design Award 2016.
• Title "Car of the Year in Russia - 2017" in the category "Middle class".

Exterior

Outwardly, the second generation KIA Optima looks beautiful, stately, proportional and dynamic - the sedan looks surprisingly well combined with some presentability with a bit of sportiness, which makes it really draw attention to itself, even against the background of more prestigious cars.

• 
  2016-2018
• 
  2016-2018
• 
  2019-…
• 
  2019-…

It should be noted that the perception of the exterior design to a certain extent depends on the level of equipment:

• by default, the four-door has a radiator grill, which is a "grill" with vertical bars, halogen headlights with lenticular dipped and reflective high beams and two LED running lights and 16-inch alloy wheels;
• in the "Comfort" version, there are fog lights in the front and simple LED lights in the back;
• the “Luxe” version can already boast of other headlights with two halogen lenses and an LED DRL check mark, LED PTF and lanterns (with a more interesting “pattern”), as well as 17-inch light-alloy “rollers”;
• in the "Prestige" modification, the front lighting technology changes again - the head optics becomes fully LED with "zigzags" of running lights;
• the "Premium" package includes a fine-mesh radiator grille and 18-inch wheels;
• and finally, the GT Line and GT versions can be recognized by slightly more aggressive bumpers, a developed diffuser with a pair of oval tailpipes, wheel rims of the original design and corresponding nameplates.

Of course, the design is one of the strongest sides of Optima, but as it turned out, this very beauty was not without certain sacrifices:

• Firstly, the car has a "delicate" paintwork, which is especially evident in the front end - it is best to immediately protect the main risk areas with a special film.
• Secondly, elongated taillights with sharp ends can wipe the paint on the fenders, and all because of poorly set gaps and a small backlash in the seats (not only after an accident, but also from the factory). It should be noted that on the most "fresh" cars such a "sore" practically does not occur.
• Thirdly, the plastic trim on the trunk lid often cracks - the reason for this is, again, "delicate" plastic, which does not like deep "minus", ice and temperature jumps. In addition, it happens that cracks appear even after a mild mechanical contact.

dimensions

In general, the "second" generation KIA Optima performs in the D-segment according to European standards, but in terms of dimensions it can be attributed to the E-class: the length of the four-door is 4855 mm, of which the wheelbase occupies 2805 mm, and its width and height reach 1860 mm and 1485 mm respectively.

The vehicle's ground clearance is 155 mm, and its track size depends on the dimension of the wheels: front - 1594-1604 mm, rear - 1595-1605 mm.

Weight

But the curb and gross weight of the three-volume is influenced by such elements as the engine, gearbox and equipment level:

Interior

The interior of the KIA Optima "second" incarnation is another of its strong points: inside the car looks attractive, presentable and logical in a European way.

• 
  2016-2018
• 
  2019-…
• 
  GT 2019-…

True, the design of the front panel directly depends on the configuration:

• nominally, the car relies on a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with a "puffy" rim and developed tides in the area of \u200b\u200bthe correct grip, which, starting with the "Comfort" version, receives a leather sheath, and in the GT Line and GT versions it boasts a rim truncated in the lower part, red stitching and a nameplate "GT";
• by default, the four-door has a laconic and very clear "toolkit" that combines several analog scales and a 3.5-inch screen of the on-board computer (4.3-inch from "Luxe" and higher).

In addition, the level of equipment also affects the appearance and functionality of the center console:

• in the two initial trim levels, the dashboard is crowned with a simple two-din radio tape recorder, but then it gives way to a 7 or 8-inch touchscreen of the infotainment complex;
• in the “base” under the GU a stylish “stove” block (of course, with air conditioning) is based, which in the “Comfort” version is replaced by a “remote control” of a full-fledged two-zone “climate” with its own monochrome “window”, but in versions with a color display this is the same “ window "again disappears due to uselessness.

In general, from the point of view of ergonomics in the Optima's cabin it is difficult to seriously find fault with anything, however, it also has a number of negative points:

• Firstly, the low level of noise insulation clearly does not correspond to the desire of Koreans to position their "brainchild" as a business sedan.
• Secondly, although the “apartments” of the car are finished with good-quality materials (and they are quite well assembled - with even gaps and joints between the panels), but they are too “delicate” - the leather on the steering wheel and seats begins to show signs of wear even with low mileage , and plastics are not scratch resistant.
• Thirdly, the buttons for controlling the heating and driving settings (which is especially important for the "top" versions) are located behind the gearshift lever, and to activate some of them you will have to turn the brush out.

The salon of the "second" generation KIA Optima has five seats, and not only in words, but also in deeds. Front riders here rely on "universal" seats with wide-spaced side support bolsters, a long cushion, moderately stiff filling and the widest range of adjustments that allow you to easily find the optimal fit for people of any height. By default, of the amenities on the first row, there is only heating, but as an option, there is also an electric drive, ventilation and memory.

In addition, the GT Line and GT trims boast sportier seats with reinforced side bolsters.

On the "gallery" there is a commendable space for three adult passengers, and the sofa itself has a really comfortable profile, and the floor tunnel protrudes slightly inside. On top of that, it is very convenient to get in here, since the doors of the car swing open almost at a right angle.

However, in the "base" of additional amenities - only a folding armrest with a pair of cup holders and pockets in the front seats, while from the second "rank" version, the rear has its own ventilation deflectors, a USB connector and a 12-volt outlet, and in the "top" versions also add side curtains.

If we take into account the "dry" numbers, then in terms of internal capacity, the midsize sedan demonstrates the following indicators:

Luggage compartment

The trunk of the "second" KIA Optima is roomy - its volume in normal condition is 510 liters, which is quite acceptable by the standards of the class.

Fortunately, the back of the second row folds in two unequal parts (in the ratio "60:40") into an almost flat area, and the opening to the salon turns out to be quite bearable. In addition, in a niche under the raised floor there is a full-size spare wheel on a cast disc and the necessary minimum of tools, neatly laid in a foam organizer.

Specifications

On the Russian market, the KIA Optima of the "second" generation is offered with three four-cylinder gasoline engines with an in-line layout, a 16-valve DOHC timing belt with a chain drive and variable valve timing:

1. The "younger" version is a 2.0-liter (1999 cm 3) "aspirated" MPI Nu series with distributed fuel injection, which generates 150 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 196 Nm of torque at 4800 rpm.
2. It is followed in the hierarchy by a naturally aspirated GDI engine (Theta II family) with a working volume of 2.4 liters (2359 cm 3) with direct injection and phase shifters at the inlet, producing 188 hp. at 6000 rpm and 241 Nm of peak thrust at 4000 rpm.
3. "Top modification" GT is equipped with "four" T-GDI series Theta II of 2.0 liters (1998 cm 3) with turbocharging, direct injection and low-noise timing chain, which produces 245 hp. at 6000 rpm and 350 Nm of torque at 1400-4000 rpm.

A six-speed manual gearbox is offered only for a 150-horsepower unit, but a 6-band “automatic” fits into all power plant options: the A6MF2 transmission works with the aspirated 2.0 and 2.4 liters, and the A6LF2 (capable of “digesting” a larger torque).

In general, "Optima" is equipped with rather reliable and resourceful gasoline engines that have a minimum number of weak points, without any problems "eat" high-quality AI-92 gasoline (although it is still recommended to pour AI-95 from the factory), and with the right and timely maintenance are capable of covering at least 250 thousand km. At the same time, it is always worth buying good consumables and exceptionally high-quality oil.

All power units are supplied with a chain drive, and the chain itself is designed for the entire service life, however, it is recommended to change it at least every 100-150 thousand km, or in the event of malfunctions, namely: noise under the hood, an increase in the amount of consumed fuel mixture, a decrease in power ... In addition to this, on all engines it is desirable to renew the oil every 7.5 thousand km, although on "aspirated" engines this interval can be increased to 8-8.5 thousand km.

A 2.0-liter engine is characterized by a diesel rumble when starting on a cold one, however, with warming up, this ailment disappears and no longer manifests itself (you can try to solve this problem by experimenting with different oil viscosities).

Also, many car owners can be strained by chirping, but in this case you should not be afraid - this is the work of the injectors.

In addition, quite often (especially on cars manufactured before 2017) there is such a problem as a scuffing of the cylinder block - this usually happens with runs of 80-120 thousand km, posing as third-party knocks in the engine. However, even in this state, the car is able to pass for quite a long time - up to 100 thousand km.

The main attack of the 2.4-liter "four" is the so-called DTC error (P0010), accompanied by a loss of traction and increased revs, which heralds the need to replace the variable valve timing system cover. Typically, this problem occurs when oil enters the E-CVVT motor due to a leaking phase regulator cap plug.

The 2.0-liter turbo engine has two weak links - the supercharger and the pump:

• The turbine is capable of passing an average of 80-100 thousand, but then, as a rule, it requires either repair or replacement (which, by the way, will cost a pretty penny). True, it is worth remembering that in the future, a restored turbine will most likely last less than a new one.
• Of course, replacing the pump will be cheaper, but its resource is small - about 100 thousand km. Moreover, bad gasoline can "kill" this unit even in a much shorter period of time.

In addition to everything, expensive iridium candles are used on this motor, which should be replaced every 90 thousand km. Moreover, it is not worth saving on them, since this can lead to failure of the ignition coils.

The "second" KIA Optima has complete order in the gearboxes, since neither the mechanics, nor the automatic, as a rule, cause serious problems to their owner, and they walk at least 150 thousand km without intervention. But there is one "but": in the first case, the oil should be changed every 100 thousand km, and in the second - every 40-45 thousand km.

In an automatic transmission, the valve body is most often the first to fail, but this happens after 150 thousand kilometers. This malfunction can be identified either by rapid oil contamination or not too smooth gear shifting. For the rest, all sedan gearboxes, by modern standards, are not capricious.

Dynamics and speed

In terms of "driving" characteristics, the "second" release of "Optima" has the following indicators:

The second generation KIA Optima is based on the Hyundai-KIA LF front-wheel drive platform, which it shares with the seventh Hyundai Sonata.

The car "flaunts" a monocoque body, the power structure of which is more than half of high-strength grades of steel.

Security

And I must say that the car from the South Koreans turned out to be really safe, as evidenced by the high scores on the basis of various crash tests:

• Maximum "5 stars" for European tests by Euro NCAP.
• "Top Safety Pick +" title by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
• Highest 5 stars for NHTSA crash tests.

Chassis

There are no serious complaints about the smooth running of the car, except for one point - the insufficient energy intensity of the suspension, which manifests itself not only on bumpy surfaces, but also on asphalt cuts with sharp edges. In addition, the three-volume tank literally flies through medium-caliber pits, but unpleasantly shakes on imperceptible flaws in the roadway, "stumbles" by chassis breakdowns on large potholes, and also allows noticeable swing on the waves and decent rolls in corners.

In general, the chassis of the four-door is a little contradictory: on the one hand, it is quite reliable, but on the other, it has details that will really make you spend money.

The front suspension of the car is devoid of pronounced weak points, and only wheel bearings can deliver the greatest trouble - they have a decent resource, but in case of a breakdown, the bearings will have to be changed along with the hub.

The rear multi-link requires more attention:

• firstly, the breakup bolts quickly turn sour, and subsequently it becomes impossible to unscrew them and, accordingly, set the toe and camber angles;
• secondly, often to 100 thousand km, "floating" silent blocks begin to creak disgustingly, which indicates the need to replace them.

By default, the KIA Optima of the "second" incarnation is equipped with rack and pinion steering with an electric power steering located on the steering shaft, but in the GT modification, this very EUR is on the rail.

All wheels of the car are equipped with disc brakes (ventilated on the front axle), which are supplemented by various electronic "assistants" (ABS, EBD, BAS).

In terms of handling, the four-door is not much surprising - it is a kind of "average" in its class. If at city speeds the steering wheel pleases with artificial heaviness, which at least improves the straightness of the course, then with an increase in speed it begins to "unfold" ...

In addition, the "steering wheel" of the car is not very informative, and it has a clear deficit with feedback. Fortunately, in terms of reliability, the steering mechanism does not cause any particular complaints, and only the steering rack gearbox cover can cause trouble: it is plastic, which quickly begins to crack and let water and dust inside, which subsequently results in replacing the rack.

17-inch alloy wheels;

LED fog lights and taillights;

Power driver's seat with memory function;

Front and rear parking sensors;

Keyless entry and engine start system;

Electric "handbrake";

Media center with 7-inch touchscreen and navigator.

Prestige

For the version of "Prestige" with a 2.0-liter "aspirated" dealers ask from 1,664,900 rubles * (while for a more powerful engine you will have to pay another 100,000 rubles *), and its privileges include:

• Heated rear seats;
• Surround cameras;
• Blinds for rear side windows;
• Combined interior trim;
• Improved steering system;
• Blind spot monitoring;
• Reverse parking assistance system;
• Decorative interior lighting.

GT

The “warmed up” GT modification differs from the previous version only by the “GT” nameplates and a powerful turbo engine, and it will cost from 2,054,900 rubles *.

* cost and equipment options are indicated as of the beginning of 2019.

In general, the KIA Optima of the "second" generation is a very decent car in its class, and even for a reasonable price, which has both advantages and disadvantages ... At the same time, due to the large number of available versions, the overwhelming majority of drivers will be able to choose the maximum the best option.

For example, for people who want to get just a large and roomy car, even the basic version is quite suitable for themselves - the capabilities of the 2.0-liter "aspirated" in tandem with the "mechanics" are enough for the eyes in almost all situations, both in the city and on the highway , while the list of its equipment contains the necessary minimum of equipment for safe and smooth driving. True, lovers of a high level of "running" comfort should not buy this sedan, since its suspension does not differ in its softness, regardless of the modification.

If the driver does not tolerate manual gear changes, then he will be just right to take a closer look at the next configuration with 6-speed automatic transmission, and if you want a little more dynamics, you should give preference to the 188-horsepower engine (the level of "saturation" does not play a big role here, since even in the most the simple one has everything you need).

When there is a desire to get a really dynamic and fast sedan, perfect for daily use, and even without loss of practicality, it is better to choose a "top" GT modification ... however, if you just want to get a "wow effect", then the "GT Line ”(since in essence it is not a sports car, which is why one should not expect the corresponding performance from it).

What "they have" and "we" do not have

If in Russia the "second" generation KIA Optima is sold only in a four-door body and with gasoline engines, in other countries it is presented in other versions:

So in the USA, a plug-in hybrid modification is available, which is equipped with a 2.0-liter "aspirated" with a capacity of 154 hp, a 68-horsepower electric motor and traction batteries with a capacity of 9.8 kW / h.

Engine
engine's type	2.0 MPI (Nu 2.0 CVVL)		2.4 GDI (Theta-II)	2.0 T-GDI (Theta-II)
Working volume, cm3	1999		2359	1998
Bore x Stroke (mm)	81 X 97		88 X 97	86 X 86
Compression ratio	10,3		11,3	10
Maximum power, h.p. (rpm)	150 (6500)		188 (6000)	245 (6000)
Maximum power (kW @ rpm)	110 @ 6500		138 @ 6000	180 @ 6000
Maximum torque moment, N m (rpm)	196 @ 4800		241 @ 4000	350 @ 1400-4000
Number of cylinders and arrangement	4, in-line
Gas distribution mechanism	DOHC, 16 valves
Fuel system	electronically controlled multipoint fuel injection		Direct fuel injection with electronic control
Fuel requirements	unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 92
Environmental class	Euro 5
Engine oil volume (l.)	4
Transmission
Transmission type	MT	AT
Number of gears	6
type of drive	front
main gear	4.533	3,383	2,885
Reverse gear	3,000	3,440	3,385	3,393
1st	3,615	4,400	4,212	4,766
2nd	2,080	2,726	2,637	2,946
3rd	1,387	1,834	1,800	1,917
4th	1,079	1,392	1,386	1,42
5th	0,884	1,000
6th	0,744	0,774	0,772
Clutch type	dry, single disc	torque converter
Transmission oil volume (l.)	1.7-1.8	7,3	7,1	7,8
Steering
A type	with electric amplifier, type: pinion-rack
Steering gear ratio	14,34			13,29
The number of revolutions of the steering wheel between the extreme positions	2,78
Minimum turning radius (m)	5,45
Suspension
Suspension (front / rear)	independent, spring, MacPherson type, with antiroll bar / independent, multi-link, spring, with telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers, with antiroll bar
Weight
Curb weight (min / max), kg	1530/1640	1545/1660	1575/1685	1655/1755
Full mass	2000	2020	2050	2120
Trailer weight (kg) (not equipped with brakes)	500-650
Trailer weight (kg) (equipped with brakes)	1000-1300
Brake system
Front brake discs	disc, ventilated, 305 x 25 mm	disc, ventilated, 320 x 28 mm
Rear brake discs	disc, 284 x 10 mm
Vacuum brake booster, pressure booster gear ratio	10:1
Brake master cylinder, type	double, tandem type
Main brake cylinder, diameter (mm)	22.22 / 23.81
Body
Dimensions (length / width / height), mm	4855 / 1860 / 1485
Wheelbase, mm	2805
Track (front, back), mm	1594 - 1604 / 1595 - 1605
Overhang (front / rear)	965 / 1085
Ground clearance, mm	155
Body type	sedan
Number of doors / seats	4/5
Dynamics
Maximum speed, km / h	205	202	210	240
Brakes (front / rear)	ventilated disc / disc
Acceleration 0-100 km / h, s	9.6	10.7	9.1	7.4
Acceleration 60-100 km / h, s	9.7	5.8	4.7	3.7
Braking distance from 100 to 0 km / h, m	43.8
Fuel efficiency *
Fuel tank volume, l	70
City, l / 100km	10.4	11.2	12	12.5
Route, l / 100km	6.1	5.8	6.2	6.3
Mixed, l / 100km	7.7	7.8	8.3	8.5
City, g / km	242	261	278	275
Route, g / km	141	136	144	142
Combined, g / km	179	182	194	191
Internal dimensions (mm)
Luggage compartment volume (l) (VDA)	510
Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd row)	1155 / 905
Distance from seat cushion to ceiling (1st / 2nd / 3rd row)	1020 / 970
Cabin width at shoulder level (1st / 2nd row)	1475 / 1432
Fuel type	petrol
Electrical equipment
Battery capacity (Ah)	80 Ah		68 Ah
Starter	1.2KW

* Fuel consumption data obtained under standardized conditions using special measuring equipment. Actual fuel consumption may differ due to the influence of various objective and subjective factors: humidity, pressure and temperature of the ambient air, fractional composition of the fuel used, terrain, characteristics of the road surface, vehicle speed, direction and speed of wind, atmospheric precipitation, tire pressure and also their dimensions, brands and models, the mass of the transported cargo (including the driver and passengers) and driving style (frequency and intensity of longitudinal and lateral accelerations, average speed).

The KIA Optima car has modern technical characteristics and is a luxury sedan with a sporty character. The car received the highest score in crash tests. When creating the security system, the most modern technologies were used. One of the most important characteristics of the new KIA Optima is the ideal value for money.

Dynamic characteristics of KIA Optima

The length of the car body is 4,855 mm, the width is 1,860 mm, and the height is 1,485 mm. The wide wheelbase of 2 805 mm is a guarantee of the machine's stability. High ground clearance of 155 mm will make you feel comfortable even on bumpy roads. The luggage compartment is 510 mm.

The technical characteristics of KIA Optima depend on the configuration type. There are several types of gasoline engines for your choice.

• 2.0 MPI (Nu 2.0 CVVL). Has 150 horsepower and allows the car to reach speeds of up to 205 km / h.
• 2.4 GDI (Theta-II). Has 188 horsepower. A car with this engine is capable of speeds up to 210 km / h.
• 2.0 T-GDI (Theta-II). Most powerful engine for this model. It has 245 horsepower and allows the car to accelerate to 240 km / h.

The car has a six-speed automatic or manual transmission and front-wheel drive. The cabin can accommodate five people. The luggage compartment is 510 mm.

Benefits of buying a KIA Optima from an authorized dealer

In order not to waste extra money and time when buying a new car from KIA, contact an authorized dealer. Autocentre "U Service +" means only fair prices without overpayments. Our consultants will provide you with detailed information about the technical characteristics and configurations of the new KIA Optima.

We also offer you to quickly and profitably arrange a loan in one of the most reliable banks in Moscow.

Kia Optima ground clearance or clearancelike for any other passenger car is an important factor on our roads. It is the condition of the road surface or its complete absence that makes Russian motorists interested in the clearance of the Kia Optima.

For a start, it's worth honestly saying that real clearance Kia Optima may seriously differ from that declared by the manufacturer. The whole secret is in the method of measurement and the place of measurement of the ground clearance. Therefore, you can find out the real state of affairs only by yourself armed with a tape measure or a ruler. Official clearance of Kia Optima since 2010 is equal to 145 mm, after restyling in 2014, the ground clearance has not changed. However, the new generation of the sedan since 2016, which is offered on the Russian market, has pleased with an increase in clearance to 155 mm.

Some manufacturers go for the trick and declare the size of the ground clearance in an "empty" car, but in real life we \u200b\u200bhave a full trunk of all sorts of things, passengers and the driver. That is, in a loaded car, the clearance will be completely different. Another factor that few people have in mind is the age of the car and the wear and tear of the springs, their “subsidence” from old age. The issue is solved by installing new springs or buying spacers under sagging springs Kia Optima... The spacers allow you to compensate for the drop of the springs and add a couple of centimeters of ground clearance. Sometimes even a centimeter in the parking lot at the curb plays an important role.

But do not get carried away with the "lift" of the Kia Optima's ground clearance, because the spacers to increase the clearance are focused only on springs. If you do not pay attention to the shock absorbers, the travel of which is often very limited, then self-modernization of the suspension can lead to loss of control and damage to the shock absorbers. In terms of cross-country ability, the high ground clearance in our harsh conditions is good, but at high speeds on the track and in corners, there is a serious buildup and additional body roll.

On serial Kia Optima, the actual ground clearance can vary depending on the installed wheels from 140 to 160 mm. In Russia, discs and tires of the following order are installed on the sedan, 215/60 R16, 215/55 R17 or 235/45 R18. To increase ground clearance on sagging springs on the Kia Optima, so-called inter-turn spacers or urethane autobuffers are mainly used. There is a lot of controversy about the effectiveness of autobuffers. But here's a video from Korea showing how it works in practice.

When designing a suspension and choosing the amount of ground clearance, any car manufacturer is looking for a middle ground between handling and cross-country ability. Perhaps the easiest, safest and most unpretentious way to increase clearance is to install wheels with “high” tires. Changing wheels makes it easy to increase the ground clearance by another centimeter. Do not forget that a major change in ground clearance can damage the Kia Optima CV joints. After all, "grenades" will have to work from a slightly different angle. But this only applies to the front axle.