Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Kia Optima III 2.4 CVVT (180 Hp)
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)
III Overview:
Kia Optima (III). With 231 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1428 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.1 s). The top speed reaches 210 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Kia Optima III achieved an excellent 5-star Euro NCAP rating in 2011, demonstrating strong performance in adult occupant protection and overall safety.
2.4 CVVT (180 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides adequate power for daily commuting, offering a slightly more engaging experience with the manual transmission.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is reasonable at 8.1 l/100 km, slightly higher than the GDI but still competitive.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Striking and modern design for its era
- • Excellent value for money with generous standard features
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for passengers
- • Strong available turbocharged engine (2.0 T-GDI)
- • Good safety ratings (5-star Euro NCAP)
- • Long warranty coverage from Kia
Cons:
- • Base engines can feel underpowered for some drivers
- • Some interior plastics feel less premium than rivals
- • Road noise can be noticeable at higher speeds
- • Ride comfort can be firm on certain trims/wheel sizes
- • Not as dynamically engaging as some European competitors
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 2010 - 2013).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | Optima |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.4 CVVT (180 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2011 |
| End of production: | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 180 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 76.3 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 231 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2359 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC, CVVT |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 88 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 97 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.1 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.9 kg/Hp, 126.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.2 kg/Nm, 161.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1428 |
| Max. weight: | 1980 |
| Max load: | 552 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 436 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4845 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1830 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1455 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2795 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1601 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1601 mm |
| Front overhang: | 965 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1085 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.9 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 | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| 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 |
| Tires size | 205/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
Behind the wheel of the Kia Optima. How does it handle on the road?