Kia Optima

Although it may not seem like it, Kia Optima It has almost 20 years of history behind it. The Korean manufacturer's D-segment saloon has been on the market since 2001, although in our country it did not arrive until the third of its editions in 2011 as a substitute for Magentis, the previous representative of KIA in the segment

We have tested this car:

Test Kia Optima Emotion 1.7 CRDI Eco-dynamics, exterior and interior design Test Kia Optima Emotion 1.7 CRDI Eco-dynamics, engine, driving and consumption (with video)Kia Optima Emotion 1.7 CRDI Eco-dynamics test, equipment, price and conclusions

Currently, and officially, it has four generations behind it in these barely two decades. The last of them, the second to land in Spain, dates back to 2015. The change in trend and the low incidence of sales of the general D-segment saloons have meant that it is not a well-known model, although it is popular in fleets.

At the beginning of 2019 a small facelift is applied, a mid-cycle commercial restyling that introduces slight aesthetic tweaks, and certain mechanical novelties with the intention of becoming more efficient. With this premise, it gets rid of one of its bodies, the Optima Sportwagon, which at no time in its commercial life meets the sales requirements.

Technical characteristics of the KIA Optima

Although we have said that the KIA Optima is the replacement for the Magentis, the reality is that the platform of the Hyundai i40. Both models could be crossed out as twin brothers since both have similar technology and mechanics, although in the case of the Optima the change only offers PHEV versions.

Having ditched its station wagon variant, the Optima only offers one size, one that fits neatly into its target segment:4,85 meters long, 1,86 meters wide and 1,46 meters high. To these dimensions must be added a wheelbase of 2,8 meters. Generous battle that allows you to offer a large interior space for a maximum of five passengers.

The problem with having only plug-in hybrid mechanical versions is that the volume of the trunk is drastically reduced in the presence of an electric motor and a set of batteries. From the 510 liter capacity, it becomes available only with 307 liters minimum capacity. A figure that will grow above a thousand liters when the rear row is lowered in its 60:40 ratio.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the KIA Optima

As we have already said, the main novelty of the 2019 KIA Optima range is the disappearance of traditional mechanics. From her facelift alone comes as a plug-in hybrid. This allows it to be very attractive to certain fleet markets, in addition to individuals who want to reduce consumption and show off the DGT ZERO label, which gives you access to low emission zones without movement restrictions.

This unit uses a 1.999 cubic centimeter four-cylinder direct injection petrol blockyes On its own, the engine develops a total of 154 horsepower. To it we have to add a 50 kW front transverse electric motor, and a 9,8 kWh capacity lithium battery. The whole system working together develops a maximum of 205 horses and 375 Nm of torque.

The advantage of this type of plug-in hybrid systems is verified in consumption. Officially the KIA Optima PHEV announces a spending on combined cycle of just 1,5 liters per 100 kilometers traveled. Its electric autonomy is 48 kilometers, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9,4 seconds and a top speed of 192 km/h.

Equipment of the KIA Optima

KIA has always stood out for its excellent price-product ratio. The rest of the rivals have it difficult to beat them, and the case of the KIA Optima is not elusive. Its spacious interior is well finished, with good quality materials and a great manufacturing process that leaves no gaps or unwanted spaces. Adding this to the plug-in hybrid technology makes the feeling of comfort high.

Over time the Optima has been getting rid of many trim levels, just as it has happened with the mechanical variants. Currently there is only one level., so there is not much room for speculation or doubt. The design is always the same, although different exterior paints are offered, and a set of 17-inch wheels.

This lack of exterior customization is transferred to the interior where it is only possible to opt for black leather upholstery. It must be recognized that as far as equipment is concerned, the KIA Optima offers interesting elements such as: heated front and rear seats, 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, Android Auto connectivity, browser, and 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system. In addition to a discreet security team and driving assistants.

The KIA Optima in video

The KIA Optima according to Euro NCAP

The second generation KIA Optima, the fourth in the world, has successfully passed the Euro NCAP crash tests carried out in 2015, the year of its commercial launch. For the 2019 facelift, the same levels are maintained as there has been no change of platform. Euro NCAP certifies it with five safety stars, distributing the score as follows. In protection for adult and child occupants, it obtained 89% and 86%, respectively. The percentage in the pedestrian hit test was 67% and, finally, in terms of driving aids, it obtained 71%.

The KIA Optima of Km 0 and second hand

The KIA Optima is not the most popular of the D-segment models. If we add this fact to the fact that the general saloons are showing lower sales figures every time, the result is that the Korean model has little incidence in the markets of occasion and second hand. Despite its attractive price, has a depreciation percentage of 37%, greater than that of its closest rivals.

In the second-hand market we find first-generation units (year 2016) for an approximate price of 6.500 euros. This value corresponds to diesel units with a high number of kilometers. The Km 0 channel is more devoid of units. The few present do not even have the 2019 restyling, also offering gasoline or diesel mechanics. Dealers do not accumulate units in stock due to the low number of sales made.

KIA Optima rivals

Not many rivals offer the KIA Optima configuration. The generalist D segment is promiscuous in models and brands, but given the increasingly low demand, most are committed to offering traditional mechanical solutions. The most direct rivals of the Optima are: Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Camry, Ford Mondeo, Mazda6, Opel Insignia, Peugeot 508 y Renault talisman, among others. As we already said, the Korean is the only one that is offered in a PHEV configuration.

Highlight

Consumption
Interior space
Price content

To improve

limited range
outdated model
No mechanical options

Prices of Kia Optima

The limitation of equipment and mechanics forces us to announce a single sale price of the Optima. A price that is highly conditioned by plug-in hybrid technology that makes the end result more expensive. It is fair to see that rival models of similar technology are more expensive. The sale price of the KIA Optima is 46.500 euros, without offers or discounts. It is easy to lower that amount by going to an official dealer, where the discounts can exceed 10.000 euros.