Kia Optima I (facelift 2003) 2.0i 16V (136 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.3 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 181 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1443 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.6 s). The top speed reaches 195 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.

2.0i 16V (136 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers smooth, albeit modest, acceleration suitable for relaxed driving, prioritizing ease of use.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is acceptable for an automatic 2.0L, though slightly less efficient than its manual counterpart.

Best Use Case: Relaxed City Driving

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):2.0i 16V (136 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:2003
End of production:2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:136 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:68.1 Hp/l [2mm less]
Torque:181 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine displacement:1997
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
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:85 mm mm
Piston Stroke:88 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.6 sec
Maximum speed:195 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.3 kg/Hp, 96.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.8 kg/Nm, 129 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1403-1483
Max. weight:1985
Max load:502-582
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:385 l
Fuel tank capacity:65 l
Size:
Length:4720 mm mm [2mm less]
Width:1815 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1410 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2700 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1540 mm
Rear (Back) track:1520 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size195/70 R14; 205/60 R15
Wheel rims size14; 15
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionTransverse stabilizer

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