FIRST DRIVE: 2017 Kia Optima GT T-GDI video review

The all-new fourth-generation Kia Optima made its way to local showrooms earlier this year. Just like the preceding model, Naza Kia Malaysia is offering just one variant of the Korean D-segment, although this time in its highest state of tune and specification.

Underneath the hood of this handsome sedan is a 2.0 litre turbocharged direct injection (T-GDI) engine, tuned to produce 242 hp and 350 Nm of torque. That’s more power than the Volkswagen Passat 2.0 Highline (217 hp/350 Nm), Ford Mondeo 2.0 EcoBoost (237 hp/350 Nm) and Honda Accord 2.4L (173 hp/225 Nm), making it the most powerful car in its segment thus far.

Power goes out to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic and paddle shifters. In terms of performance, Kia says it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds (the Passat gets there in 6.7 seconds, thanks to DSG) with a combined fuel consumption of 8.5 litres per 100 km. Vmax is rated at 240 km/h.

The kit list is extensive, beginning with dynamic LED headlamps with LED DRLs, LED taillamps, top-of-the-line GT body styling, 18-inch alloys with 235/45 Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres and red brake calipers. Inside, the leather seats come in either red or black, with GT embroidery. Both front seats come with heating and ventilation functions, while the rears are heated.

There’s also a full panoramic sunroof that’s unique to its class, followed by convenience features like a 7.0-inch touchscreen head unit, electronic parking brake, heated steering wheel and Qi wireless phone charger.

Pricing for the Kia Optima GT is at RM174,833 OTR before insurance, with three colours to choose from – Aurora Black, Gravity Blue and Snow White Pearl. Packaged along with it is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty. For full specifications, head to CarBase.my.

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Matthew H Tong

An ardent believer that fun cars need not be fast and fast cars may not always be fun. Matt advocates the purity and simplicity of manually swapping cogs while coping in silence of its impending doom. Matt's not hot. Never hot.

 

Comments

  • 12yrsold on Sep 27, 2017 at 11:08 am

    With a price of just RM174,833 OTR before insurance & all the goodies & power that go with it, this Optima GT will Rock the D-segment car like never B4.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 19
  • samtbt on Sep 27, 2017 at 11:08 am

    (Like) Optima GT.
    (Dislike) Camry Hybrid

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 46 Thumb down 17
  • Ben Yap on Sep 27, 2017 at 11:18 am

    nice car but badge problem. not so high class as japanese and european cars.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 37
  • Mr. Octopus on Sep 27, 2017 at 11:21 am

    The Volvo S60 T6 is 306hp but not sure if its considered the same segment though…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 3
    • lolol on Sep 27, 2017 at 4:35 pm

      Same segment… but 70K more.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 7
      • dunkirk on Sep 27, 2017 at 8:39 pm

        Different segment. One is kimchi paria segment. The other one is swede luxury

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 22
        • Whycalledparia on Sep 28, 2017 at 6:44 pm

          Hmm..the so called swede luxury now own by also a paria segment company…

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
          • abuthen on Mar 06, 2018 at 2:28 pm

            Now the paria segment company owns Proton and Daimler…ops

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Not Toyota Fan on Sep 27, 2017 at 11:44 am

    Heated seats in tropical weather???

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 1
    • Iampetergriffin on Sep 27, 2017 at 5:55 pm

      Heated seats are very comfy when your butt feel cramped after long distance driving, or even better still that when time you are driving in the cold rain. It feels nice man.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 10
  • syafiq on Sep 27, 2017 at 11:50 am

    great review!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • ryder0707 on Sep 27, 2017 at 11:51 am

    Hey bro, dont talk too much about Passat la…that “fast” car is nearly 20k over for just 1 sec faster??? I smell bias towards VW in your review…i drive a Honda but i know this car is really good in terms of build quality…better than Accord & Camry to be honest

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 42 Thumb down 23
  • Good review Matt. I would add that for that price, we expect Android Auto and Apple Carplay as standard. That infotainment screen is hideous!

    The silly drive mode select for steering is downright silly. The rest of the car looks decent though. Good that you compared the car with the Passat instead of the usual Japanese D-segmenters.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • GAFALA on Sep 27, 2017 at 12:30 pm

    Nice figure.

    But Proton 1.5 STGDI-Es engine is more interesting.

    1.5L with supercharger and twin scroll turbo + hybrid motor producing 280hp 380nm of combine output..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 35
  • crap car on Sep 27, 2017 at 12:53 pm

    what new model is this..its looks blady same as the old one..wtf

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 25
  • Bernard on Sep 27, 2017 at 1:11 pm

    This car RV how?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 31
    • Sinister on Sep 27, 2017 at 3:18 pm

      50% less after 2 years.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 18
    • Why not you ask Ferrari RV how?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 4
    • Ollie on Sep 28, 2017 at 1:50 pm

      If you believe that Kia and Hyundai have bad resale value, you’re stuck in 2004, and you haven’t checked a used car site in 10 years.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • passion on Sep 27, 2017 at 2:29 pm

    wrong price!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 6
  • Proton oh Proton on Sep 27, 2017 at 3:05 pm

    Have test drive this car… it’s not kick like continental turbo… event VW passat more satisfied to drive.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 8
  • Still looks like an enlarged Forte. Sack the designer!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 7
  • Full spec safety system is not presented. Or else it will be a better option.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • BowArrow on Sep 27, 2017 at 6:53 pm

    Shark fin antenna and panoramic sunroof , wow nice2

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • the headlamp wasn’t full led lah

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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