Buying guide: Kia Optima – prices, problems and offers

The base model is comprehensively equipped with things like lane assist, traffic sign recognition, parking sensors, parking camera, dual climate control, full map navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. More expensive versions also have heated seats and steering wheel, seat cooling, smart key, power seat adjustment, large info screen, DAB+, Harman Kardon audio, wireless phone charger, adaptive cruise control, additional security with a rotating camera system. .

The GT-Line and GT have a flat-bottom sports steering wheel, black headliner, sports seats and black leather with red stitching. The facelift brings a range of refreshed safety systems, a new steering wheel and Select Drive Mode.

Kia Optima motorcycle

In the Netherlands, initially only the 1.7 CRDi diesel (141 hp, 340 Nm) is on the menu. Two petrol engines follow shortly after. The 2.0 T-GDi (245 hp, 353 Nm) is reserved for the top GT model. For a wider audience is the 2.0 GDi PHEV (system power 205 hp, 375 Nm). The plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 154 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson gasoline engine with a 50 kW electric motor and a 9.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The stated electric range is more than 40 km.

At the same time as the 2018 facelift, the engine range is shaken up with the arrival of the 1.6 T-GDi (180 hp, 265 Nm) and 1.6 CRDi (136 hp, 320 Nm). Intake contamination is a potential concern with direct injection gasoline engines. Increased fuel consumption also sometimes occurs, but with regular maintenance the engine is above average reliable.

Contagion

The Kia Optima is only available with front-wheel drive. The 1.7 CRDi diesel is available with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 2.0 T-GDi and 2.0 PHEV are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter. The 1.6 T-GDi and 1.6 CRDi are only sold with a seven-speed DCT automatic transmission.

For a used car with a DCT transmission, check that the gear changes are smooth and jerk-free. Just like in a car with a manual transmission, the DCT transmission’s dry plate clutches are subject to normal wear.

Suspended

In terms of chassis, Kia opts for a modern configuration. The Optima has an independent McPherson front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The chassis tuning is very good and even the GT-Line, with standard 18-inch instead of 17-inch wheels, is a little stiffer than you’d expect from the name.

The top-spec GT sports 18-inch wheels with electronically controlled adaptive suspension and red brake calipers.

Which Kia Optima should you have?

Sports sedans and hybrid powertrains dominate the used car market. The PHEV version is smooth and economical, but due to the loss of MRB benefits, it may be more attractive in the long run to choose the less economical, but lighter 1.6 or 2.0 T-GDi.

The versions are called ComfortPlusLine (17-inch alloys, climate control, lane assistant, 7-inch navigation, parking assistance and camera), DynamicLine (panoramic roof, key, heated seats and steering wheel, 8-inch navigation , Harman Kardon), ExecutiveLine (18-inch alloys, xenon, blind spot detection, surround camera, leather, seat ventilation), GT-Line (LED lights, 18-inch alloys, sports package) and GT ( adaptive suspension, red brake calipers). Also interesting are the additional full Business offers.

What? should it be Kia Optima?

New, the Kia Optima was best-sold in the Netherlands as a premium and tax-efficient option for business (lease) drivers. A difficult task in an already shrinking and highly competitive market segment. On Gaspedal.nl Optima is rarer than, for example, Maserati’s Ghibli. That is not entirely due to his qualities.

It’s a lovely, spacious and well-equipped car with solid technology and (under certain circumstances) factory warranty status. Anyone who can resist the allure of crossovers and SUVs — including from Kia itself — would do well to give the Optima a chance.

How much does the Kia Optima cost?

The cheapest Kia Optima with a petrol engine is the 2.0 GDi PHEV Business DynamicLine (2016, 179,000 km) for 15,900 euros. Optima sedan 2.0 GDi Hybrid Business DynamicLine (2016, 129,000 km) costs 16,950 euros. Optima Sportswagon costs at least 19,940 euros (1.6 T-GDi, GT-Line, 2019, 144,000 km). The same version with fewer kilometers (2019, 93,000 km) costs 22,950 euros.

Optima Sportswagon 2.0 GDi PHEV ExecutiveLine (2019, 87,000 km) is sold for 24,740 euros. Very rare 2.0 T-GDi costs at least 26,500 euros (Sportwagon, GT, 2017, 80,000 km). For the diesel engine, the asking prices used are between 11,500 and 22,000 euros.

Part prices

Front brake pads, per set €78.44

Front brake discs, for a set of € 152.56

Hankook Ventus Prime 4, 225/45 R18 95W, each from € 115.12

Front suspension options, each from €77.52

Clutch kit DCT complete, from €1,112.70

Prices apply to Kia Optima 1.6 T-GDi DCT7 from 2019 and include VAT and exclude installation.

Maintenance costs

Minor repairs from €225
Major repairs from €275

Maintenance interval (1.6 T-GDi) is 30,000 km / 2 years.

Benefits Kia Optima

+ Spacious and complete

+ Stable technology

+ Manufacturer’s warranty

+ No crossover

Negative points Kia Optima

– Interior material use

– Used car mini sale

– No crossover

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