Review: Kia TF.I Optima (2011-13)

Overview

Released in January 2011, the Kia TF Series I (TF.I) Optima was a mid-size, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Hwasung, South Korea, the Optima was powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel gearshift paddles. The Optima range initially consisted of a Platinum variant, though Si and SLi variants followed in January and December 2012, respectively.

G4KJ engine

The 2.4-litre G4KJ ‘Theta II’ petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, direct fuel injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing (D-CVVT), a variable intake system and a compression ratio of 11.3:1.

Dimensions

Compared to its MG Magentis predecessor, the TF Optima was 90 mm longer (at 4845 mm), 25 mm wider (1830 mm), 25 mm lower (1455 mm) and had a 75 mm longer wheelbase (2795 mm).

Suspension

Like the Hyundai YF i45 with which it was co-developed, the TF Optima had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Kia TF.I Optima specifications
Variants	Years	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Si, SLi	2012-13	2.4-litre petrol I4	6sp auto	148 kW at 6300 rpm	250 Nm at 4250 rpm
Platinum	2011-13	2.4-litre petrol I4	6sp auto	148 kW at 6300 rpm	250 Nm at 4250 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the TF.I Optima included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Optima Si had 300 mm ventilated front brake discs and 284 mm solid rear discs. The Optima SLi and Platinum variants, however, had 320 mm ventilated front brake discs.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the Optima received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.58 out of 37. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features

Standard features for the Optima Si included 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, MP3 compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB/iPod), Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, front fog lights, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, automatic headlights, power windows, power mirrors with heating and folding functions, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, electrochromatic rear view mirror, tinted windows, trip computer, two 12 volt power outlets and an immobiliser.

The Optima SLi was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R18 alloy tyres, a seven speaker Infinity sound system with subwoofer and Bluetooth audio streaming, a satellite navigation system with a seven-inch touchscreen and SUNA live traffic updates, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, xenon headlights with washers, daytime LED running lights, static cornering lights, rear fog lights and LED tail-lights.

The Optima Platinum was not initially fitted with satellite navigation and Bluetooth audio streaming as these features were only introduced in March 2012. Compared to the SLi, however, the Platinum was further equipped with leather seats, ventilated and heated front seats, a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, rain-sensing wipers, a proximity key and panoramic sunroof.

Brochures

Review: Kia TF.II Optima (2013-15)