Kia Optima (2012 - 2015) 1.7 CRDi 2 Tech 4d (2012/62) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Understated, not afraid to try something different and judges on content, not the badge on the front.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Every passenger has loved the ride quality, the comfort (especially comfortably shaped rear seats and leg room), think it looks like a Jaguar and are really surprised how good a Kia is. I do get a lot of admiring glances at the traffic lights and other drivers squint to read the "Kia" on the alloy wheels!
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes. It is a well thought out car, easy to live with and rewarding to drive.
What are you likely to buy next?
Don't know, I want to keep this one for a good few years!
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£16,000
When did you buy the car?
February 2013
Did you get a good deal and why?
The dealer offered a decent part exchange value for my previous car, and gave a discount on the new car as it wasn't then (but is now!) my first choice of colour. They also threw in the road tax and mats for free.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
The car is big, comfortable, well equipped and a little of an unusual sight on the road.
What was the dealer like?
Very direct and business like, didn't try pushing anything extra, didn't distract from the test drive.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
For a 1.7d with 134bhp it's really quick. I think Kia have quoted a lower figure than the engine really produces. The steering is excellent and full of communication. You really feel like you can push this car and it rewards the driver.
What's it like to park?
This model comes with a reversing camera and parking sensors so reverse parking is a breese, but if you didn't have them the rear visibility is a little poor due to the styling and the high rear end.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The clutch has been replaced under warranty without any fuss. The reversing camera stopped and was replaced by the dealer in 15 minutes, again with no fuss. Full marks for customer service.
What's most practical about your car?
General space is excellent. Passengers comment about the limo like space in the rear.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Definitely the 12 speaker hifi with touchscreen, bluetooth and sat nav. Excellent sound quality.
