Used Kia Optima review: 2010-2012

There was a time, not so long ago, when no one would dare attempt to crash the Holden-Ford party that for so long defined the Australian market, but that's all changed.

NEW

No longer are the Commodore and Falcon the dominating forces they once were, their influence is on the wane big time if you look at the latest sales numbers.

Today's buyer has much more choice as other carmakers have edged into the market and consumers have chosen to downsize to slightly smaller models, like Kia's Optima. The Korean carmaker clearly saw the trend and landed its mid-sized sedan in an attempt to win over some of those moving away from the big two.

Kia rolled out two models in the Optima range, beginning with the Platinum that came packed with just about everything you could want, and followed by the more modestly equipped Si. The attractive sedan not only looked good, it was able to seat five adults in decent comfort, even in the back. Add to that a good-sized boot and a split-fold rear seat and you had a pretty impressive package.

The power package consisted of a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission that delivered a good combination of performance and economy. The good news was that local engineers tuned the suspension for local roads, and the result was impressive.

While it was impressive on the road, it was also well equipped to handle a crash with front, head and side airbags, ABS brakes, emergency brake assistance, traction control and ESP stability control. It was also impressively equipped with climate controlled air, cruise, leather upholstery, Xenon headlamps, CD sound and a host of other features.

NOW

Kia has been one of the notable makes in recent times and few Carsguide readers have had cause to contact the desk with complaints. Cars sampled in recent times have all been well built and solid on the road, devoid of rattles and squeaks that can ruin the experience of stepping up to a later model.

The earliest examples of the TF Optima will have now accumulated up to 50,000 km, so the showroom gloss has yet to fully fade. Even so it's important to conduct a thorough examination of any car under consideration for purchase. All cars, no matter the make or model, or sticker price, can have problems, even from new.

Before handing over your cash go for a longish drive with the seller and observe closely for any odd noises, vibrations, bangs and bumps that might suggest something untoward is lurking under the sheetmetal. Drive the car at various speeds from walking pace to highway cruise, accelerate softly and more aggressively, let it idle, use the power steering, check the brakes, and put the automatic transmission through its paces.

If anything that appears unusual is detected consider having a mechanic or your motoring club check the car for you. In addition to driving the car lift the bonnet and check for oil leaks. While you're at it run through all the features on the car, the power windows, central locking, sound system, cruise, air-conditioning etc. to make sure they're working as they should be.

Having thoroughly test driven the car and carefully inspected it without finding any glaring faults you can buy the Optima with confidence.

SMITHY SAYS

Roomy, well equipped mid-sized four-door that can be approached with confidence. 3.5 stars

Kia Optima 2010-2012

Price new: $30,490 to $36,990
Engine: 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, 148kW/250Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, FWD
Thirst: 7.9L/100km
Body: 4-door sedan
Variants: Si, Platinum
Safety: 5-star ANCAP