A Korean Domestic Market (KDM) Kia Optima sedan, seen in the great city of Tai’an in Shandong Province. The good Kia was a bit dirty, but otherwise in a fine shape.
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The first generation Kia Optima was made from 2000 until 2005 with a facelift in 2003. Our white car is a pre-facelift example. The Optima
was largely based on the fourth generation Hyundai Sonata. The Sonata was a typical mass market car, available with all sorts of engines and trim levels.
The Kia however was positioned a bit more upmarket. It was only available with high-end trim levels, and only with a six-cylinder engine.
Luxury! Black leather and lots of fake wood.
Engine is a 2.5 liter V6, good for 170 hp and 230 Nm. Gearbox is a four-speed manual, sending horses to the front wheels.
Shandong was a good place to find KDM cars. The province is just a short boat ride away from South Korea.
In the 1990’s and early 2000’s many KDM cars arrived in Shandong, mostly under misty trade deals, others simply smuggled. Sadly, many of these cars have been scrapped today, so they are harder to find than before.
Interestingly, the Kia Optima was made in China as well, but only the facelifted car with the double headlights.
The K-logo on the C-pilar, with the word Optima below it.
Optime badge on the left, SE V6 badge on the right.
An original Korean dealer sticker on the rear window.
