Kia OptimaMS Optima1 Apr 2004 ![]() By CHRIS HARRIS Just as the EF-B Sonata from ’01 was a significant rehash of the 1998 EF model, so too was the MS a makeover of the GD Optima. The chrome grille gave way to an oddly four-eyed nose treatment, while revised trim and equipment levels were also implemented, along with a larger V6. Power and torque from the newly enlarged 2.7 V6 were now rated at 132kW and 245Nm, while a new five-speed sequential-shift automatic gearbox became the sole transmission. The result was a competent and refined highway cruiser. And this time Kia was serious about making a value statement – a passenger-side airbag, ABS brakes with EBD control, traction control, cruise control, leather trim and alloy wheels were added to the old Optima’s specification tally. The Road to Recovery podcast seriesWhen it was new |
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