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:
Steering wheel
Power steering
Power steering uses energy from the
engine to assist you in steering the vehicle.
If the engine is off or if the power
steering system becomes inoperative,
the vehicle may still be ...
Owner maintenance
The following lists are vehicle checks and
inspections that should be performed by
the owner or an authorized KIA dealer at
the frequencies indicated to help ensure
safe, dependable operation of y ...
POWER AND FUEL-ECONOMY ARE UP TO PAR
That description might have you thinking the Optima has all sorts of power.
True, the upgraded 2.4-liter four-cylinder gets added power for ’09 with 175hp
and 169 ft-lbs of torque, but it’s no ...


