Safety-Minded

As with the rest of the Kia line-up, the 2009 Kia Optima is equipped with many safety features as standard equipment. This includes six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The Electronic Stability Control Package adds Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), brake assist and four-wheel anti-lock brakes.

    See also:

    Automatic transaxle
    Automatic transaxle operation All normal forward driving is done with the shift lever in the D (Drive) position. To move the shift lever from the P (Park) position, the brake pedal must be d ...

    Interior light
    CAUTION Do not use the interior lights for extended periods when the engine is not running. It may cause battery discharge. Room lamp Type A (1) Map lamp Push the lens to turn the map lamp o ...

    Powertrain
    The new 2.0-litre turbodiesel is a proven quantity, having been fitted to the recently facelifted and European built Sportage. The unit has been praised for its driving characteristics, thanks to ...