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:
What to do in an emergency
Road warning
In case of an emergency while driving
If the engine will not start
Emergency starting
If the engine overheats
If you have a flat tire
Towing ...
SOLID RIDE WITH POWER TO SPARE AND EXCELLENT FUEL ECONOMY
In terms of driving characteristics, the Optima is very much in keeping with
the Hyundai Sonata, which shares the same platform. The cabin is quiet and the
drive is smooth, with the Optima feeling ...
Fuel requirements
Gasoline engine (unleaded)
Your new Kia vehicle is designed to use
only unleaded fuel with a minimum
Octane Rating of 87 Anti-Knock Index
(AKI).
NOTICE
NEVER USE LEADED FUEL. The use
of leaded ...


