- Refined 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine
- Comfortable ride
- Suspension lacks body control
- Steering lacks precision
- Poor ergonomics (position of handbrake, backrest lever)
- Engine noise at higher speeds
- Cheap interior plastics
Review: Kia MS.I Optima (2001-03)
Overview
Released in May 2001, the Kia MS Series I (MS.I) Optima was a mid-size sedan. Manufactured in Hwasung, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Optima was powered by a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.
Engine
The 2.5-litre G6BW ‘Delta’ V6 petrol engine had an aluminium alloy block and cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.
Dimensions
Compared to the Hyundai EF Sonata on which it was based, the MS Optima was 10 mm longer (at 4720 mm), 3 mm narrower (1815 mm), the same height (1410 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2700 mm).
Suspension
The MS Optima had double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS.I Optima | 2.5-litre petrol V6 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
127 kW at 6000 rpm | 229 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Safety equipment for the MS.I Optima was limited to a driver’s airbag and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Features
Standard features for the MS.I Optima included a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.
Review: Kia MS.II Optima (2004-06)
Overview
Released in April 2004, the MS Series II (MS.II) Optima introduced a new 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine, improved safety equipment and extra features. The 2.7-litre G6BA ‘Delta’ V6 petrol engine had similar properties to its predecessor, with aluminium alloy construction, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.
Visually, the MS.II Optima could be identified by its new grille and quad-headlights.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS.II Optima | 2.7-litre petrol V6 | 4sp auto | 132 kW at 6000 rpm | 245 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Safety equipment was upgraded and consisted of dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Features
Standard features for the Kia MS.II Optima were enhanced to include 15-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift.
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