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Kia Optima I (facelift 2003) LX 2.7 V6 (172 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Kia Optima:
The Kia K5 , formerly known as the Kia Optima , is a mid-size car manufactured by Kia since 2000 and marketed globally through various nameplates. First generation cars were mostly marketed as the Optima, although the Kia Magentis name was used in Europe and Canada when sales began there in 2002. For the second-generation models, Kia used the Kia Lotze and Kia K5 name for the South Korean market, and the Magentis name globally, except in the United States, Canada, Malaysia and the Middle East, where the Optima name was retained until the 2021 model year. The K5 name is used for all markets since the introduction of the fifth generation in 2019....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I (facelift 2003) Overview:
Kia Optima (I (facelift 2003)). With 245 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1487 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
LX 2.7 V6 (172 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides strong, refined acceleration, making highway merges and overtaking effortless. A premium feel for the generation.
Fuel Economy
Expect higher fuel consumption compared to the 4-cylinder models, typical for a larger V6 with an automatic.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent value for money in the mid-size sedan segment.
- • Comfortable and spacious interior for families.
- • Generally reliable powertrains, especially the V6 options.
- • Smooth ride quality, good for long journeys.
- • Facelift improved exterior styling and interior amenities.
Cons:
- • Handling is uninspiring, not focused on driver engagement.
- • Fuel economy can be mediocre, particularly with V6 and automatic transmissions.
- • Interior materials feel dated compared to some rivals.
- • Lack of advanced safety features common in later models.
- • Resale value might be lower than Japanese competitors.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I: 2001 - 2002).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | Optima |
| Generation: | I (facelift 2003) |
| Modification (Engine): | LX 2.7 V6 (172 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 172 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 64.8 Hp/l [3mm less] |
| Torque: | 245 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2656 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86.7 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 75 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.6 kg/Hp, 115.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 164.8 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1487 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 385 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4719 mm [3mm less] |
| Width: | 1815 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1410 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1540 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1520 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.4 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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