Kia’s ‘K-Logo’ was only used on the domestic market.
Production of the first-generation Kia Optima started in 2000 and ended in 2005, with a facelift in 2004. 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.
The engine is a 2.5 liter V6, good for 170 hp and 230 Nm. The 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 1990s and early 2000s, many KDM cars arrived in Shandong, mostly under misty trade deals, others simply smuggled. Sadly, many of these cars have been scrapped, making them 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.
