2012 Kia Optima K5 2.0 Sedan

Compared to other family sedans, the Optima K5 is a styling standout, with a level of aggression and modernity inside and out that we're accustomed to seeing in much more expensive cars. Thankfully,

Compared to other family sedans, the Optima K5 is a styling standout, with a level of aggression and modernity inside and out that we're accustomed to seeing in much more expensive cars. Thankfully, this beauty is also more than skin deep, as the Optima K5 also benefits from a better-than-average ride quality and driving dynamics. Where most other family sedans in this segment fall somewhere between sedate and bland, the Optima has a distinct European flair and that should come as no surprise when you consider that Kia's chief designer used to work for Audi. While the Kia's interior isn't as sumptuous as an Audi's, there's an abundance of soft-touch materials, and any hard plastics are at least well textured. Standard safety features on the 2012 Kia Optima K5 include four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, side airbags, side curtain airbags and hill start assist. A rearview camera is optional. Both of the regular four-cylinder engines are impressive. They produce best-in-class power and are paired with responsive and smooth-shifting transmissions. The potential for truly impressive fuel economy is an ample slab of icing on the cake. In Euroncap crash tests, the Optima earned a top five-star rating for overall safety performance, with five stars awarded for both overall frontal and side-impact tests. The Optima K5 has a fairly spacious cabin with comfortable seats and a solid amount of legroom front and rear. Headroom particularly in back is a bit tight due to the car's rakish, coupelike roof line. Taller folks should definitely think twice about the optional panoramic sunroof, as it further decreases headroom. Less

Never owned a Korean brand before and it took persuasion from my brother that I won't be disappointed after him seeing it in Korea. Firstly the car looks stunning when it was first launched and till

Never owned a Korean brand before and it took persuasion from my brother that I won't be disappointed after him seeing it in Korea. Firstly the car looks stunning when it was first launched and till today the K5 still looks relevant. The sleek and sporty lines makes it unmistakable on the road. The metal surrounding the car is solid and doesn't have that thin and hollow sound as one would expect. It's close to a European built quality, I kid you not. Performance wise its sufficient and compared to it's Japanese rivals, it has more grunt and always willing to rev until redline seamlessly. Yes, it's faster in straight line compared to the other 4 Japanese D segment rivals for those speed junkies out there and it's proven. A lot didn't know this engine is a cousin of the Mitsubishi 4B11 as similarly found in the Lancer GT except this was tuned more aggressively due to its heavier weight. There's also a nice "Mivec" growl when the cam profile switches over and it can be quite addictive to some petrol heads. The 6 speeder does a good job of shifting gears smoothly and you can always manually shift the gears but you ll trust it to do it's job unless for engine breaking. Brakes are quite progressive and sufficient even though it's just single pistons. The ride can be a tad firm but not bumpy like a coilovers. But the trade off is it handles well and I personally feel the K5 is only second to Mazda 6 in this segment of cars. Only gripe I have is the steering feel, it is not numb but on the lighter side. As for the interior, it is roomy and fits 5 full size adults easily with tonnes of leg room. Interior design is safe, at least it's not ugly and comes with a lot of tech goodies for a car at that time. Japanese rivals pales in this area except for the Mazda 6 in terms of design, it is classier. The sound system here is worth a mention, it's fitted with a complete Infinity system. Yes, powered amp and subwoofer factory fitted. Not Bose quality but not far off either. There is ambient lighting, integrated rear view camera screen in the rear mirror. The boot is huge and comes with foldable seats for long items. Overall this is a great car, 7 years of trouble free ownership and surprisingly the cost of maintenance is relatively cheaper than it's Japanese counterparts. You won't regret owning one and Malaysians have to learn to accept that the Koreans can make good cars too. RV trollers will always comment negatively but in reality a lot are looking for this car. I don't have any regrets owning one. Less

worth of money among the D segments car like accord camry passat mazda 6 etc . good looking car with turbo engine Which deliver 245 hp . been driving this car For 3 years + no regrets .

A car you can be proud of. Its a steal compared to the rest. Good handling, decent power and well packaged all round. Truly a remarkable car at that price point.

Kia Optima K5 stunning design , good performance and good safety features