A SEDAN YOU CAN RELY ON

Kia’s warranty is its own reward on the Optima

It’s not just the first owner who benefits from Kia’s industry-leading warranty of seven years/unlimited kilometres — subsequent owners do too. After about three years a great many sell their owned-since-new car, and for a Kia bought after October 1, 2014, that means a few years of factory warranty remain.

So, a preloved Optima from the JF series, launched in November 2015, will all have more than three years’ cover intact: more than, say, a brand-new BMW, Audi or Mercedes.

There are other reasons to consider the medium Korean sedan, roughly the same size as a Toyota Camry or Mazda6. It looks sharp, has good features, is a spacious, quiet and comfortable cruiser, plus there’s a turbo variant to best exploit a very good handling set-up.

If you’re in the anti-SUV camp, a sizeable sedan such as the Optima is your alternative.

You tend to get better value for money and the lower centre of gravity make it more planted and rewarding on the road.

If you’ve been paying attention these past few years, you’ll have dropped the “cheap Korean” preconceptions. Optimas are well screwed together, have proved reliable and cabins are classy with next to no hard plastics — the leather-trimmed GT range-topper has a truly premium feel.

Rear space is superb, with three adults able to fit in reasonable comfort, plus a cavernous 510L boot with full-size spare wheel.

This series improved on the already fine

suppression of noise, vibration and harshness, while improving safety gear and adding specification.

Kia’s Australian engineers worked their usual magic at setting the car up for our conditions, impressively blending comfort and roadholding.

The entry-level Si used a carried-over 138kW 2.4-litre petrol engine, which Kia politely called “proven”. A bit long in the tooth and underpowered, it returned decent fuel economy and sounded refined in the well-sealed cabin.

The flagship GT grade was aimed at private rather than fleet buyers and its 2.0-litre turbo helped haul the big Optima from rest to 100km/ h in a swift 7.4 seconds.

As with the Si, it had a six-speed auto gearbox but its steering was sharper thanks to a more advanced set-up and it scored supergrippy Michelin tyres — it was no sports car but it was certainly a rewarding steer.

In each grade, there were impressive inclusions. The Si featured 17-inch alloys, paddle-shifters, smart cruise control, dual zone climate control, seven-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, satnav, LED lights, front and rear parking sensors, rear camera, lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking.

The GT may have been an expensive Kia but boy it was brimming with goodies. Ventilated and heated leather power seats, panoramic sunroof, Harman/Kardon audio, eight-inch screen, aluminium trim, auto boot lid, wireless charging, smart key and flat-bottom steering wheel. Safer too with blind spot detection, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert, while sports bumpers and bi-xenon headlamps differentiated it from the Si.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

The big win is this generation Optima still having plenty of warranty remaining, which is great insurance for a used car. Any faults should have been dealt with in the Kia network but sources suggest the Optima’s proving reliable at this early stage. For this series, there have been no issues with the 2.4litre, which had been the subject of a recall in the previous generation.

Biggest grumbles are about the Optima’s inbuilt satnav, provided by TomTom. Unlike current model Kias, there are no free map updates — if you want all the latest roads, factor in about $200 for an update at your Kia dealer.

Optimas also lack desirable smartphone connectivity, which was added only for 2019. A few owners report the touchscreen playing up, so check it doesn’t freeze, can navigate through menus and shows the rear camera image.

Prepare yourself for a symphony of beeps and warnings. Safety features may be impressive but the many sensors and speed camera warnings can grate to the point where you turn them off.

Target Optimas owned privately since new, which should have had a more cosseted life than ex-fleet and ex-rental cars. At this age, interior trim, the body and wheels should be free of dents and scrapes, denoting a pampered existence.

Services are key to keeping the warranty intact. The Si needs servicing every year/ 15,000km and the turbo GT’s intervals are very short at six months/7500km.

It makes the GT a more bothersome and expensive ownership proposition, so ensure the first owner has stuck to the service plan. If buying a 2016 GT, be aware a big service ($769) is due at four years/60,000km, and another ($643) at five years/75,000km. It’s a bit cheaper for later cars. The Si’s big service ($769) is at four years/60,000km.

Check replacement tyres are as good as the factory fit. The GT’s 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 3 are excellent but for new rubber, factor in $300 per corner.

For a bit more jazz, seek a GT with full red leather trim: it was a no-cost option from the factory and certainly brightens the cabin.

The sole recall, in November 2016, was for the pre-May 2016 Si to remedy a potential crack to the right front driveshaft.

IAIN SAYS

Lot of car for your money, and having at least three years’ warranty remaining makes the Optima a safe used buy. Entry-grade Si has excellent inclusions and a low-kilometre version is a great target if you aren’t seeking driving thrills. The GT’s a true luxury sedan and the one for strong performance and driving dynamics, but it’s far pricier to service.

OWNERS SAY

SAM J: We bought a 2017 Si, still with five years’ cover. Features are generous, including safety tech. We decided against a wagon — the Optima has a heap of space in the back and a massive boot. It’s not unwieldy in tight spaces but the steering is pretty heavy. The 2.4, not the most refined or quick, is acceptable for family use. We struggle to get below 10L/100km — that’s OK considering the low price we paid.

JIM BLUNSDEN: I have a Platinum that I am still proud to own as I still get comments on its looks. It has been so reliable, needing only tyres and servicing. I have had no problems and the heated seats are a blessing in the cold weather. The Optima has clocked up 91,000km and is fairly economical on fuel and a great car when travelling from Albany to Perth and back. I am 78 and have had a few cars in my life. I am very happy with my Optima and its quality — but I would love a Kia Stinger.