Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Kia Optima I (facelift 2003) LX 2.4 (140 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 199 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1497 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 2.4 (140 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers smooth, relaxed power delivery, prioritizing comfort over spirited acceleration for daily use.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency will be slightly lower than the manual version, but still acceptable for an automatic 2.4L sedan.
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 2.4 (140 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 140 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 59.5 Hp/l [3mm less] |
| Torque: | 199 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2351 |
| 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, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 100 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.7 kg/Hp, 93.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.5 kg/Nm, 132.9 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1497 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 385 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4719 mm mm [3mm 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 |
| 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 |
Is it love at first sight with the Kia Optima? Tell us your story!