At the 2003 Geneva Motor Show , Kia introduced the Kia Opirus business class sedan. The car has become the most expensive of the entire model range of the South Korean automaker. In the United States, the model was sold under the name Kia Amanti.
US market
Korean Opirus fits perfectly into the American market, having earned the fame of a sought-after and competitive car, thanks to the rich trim, elegant appearance and good technical equipment. American buyers in reviews of Kia Opirus noted its reliability, low cost for a model of executive class and economy.
Model history
Kia Opirus was created on the same platform as Hyundai Equus, which allowed the South Korean automaker to avoid developing its own technical base.
Restyling of the model was carried out in 2006. The changes affected mainly the optics of the car, as seen in the photo of Kia Opirus. The rear optics are represented by a round brake light, side lamps and main headlights in the form of concentric modules. The turn signal is integrated into the extreme part of the optics.
The modernization of 2006 also affected the technical component: instead of a six-cylinder engine with a capacity of 203 horsepower, a larger motor with a capacity of 266 horsepower was installed.
Kia Opirus Engine
In 2008, the model underwent another restyling, during which a three-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 194 horsepower was installed. Complete with a power unit is an automatic transmission.
Chassis
The front suspension of the Kia Opirus is multi-link independent, equipped with a lateral stabilizer.
The rear is semi-independent combined, represented by a set of transverse and diagonal levers of a triangular configuration, which are combined with hydraulic shock absorbers and coil springs. The hinged beam provides lateral stability of the car.
Interior
The layout of the spacious Kia Opirus is designed for five people. The seats are covered with genuine leather in a light shade, free boarding and disembarkation of passengers is provided due to the high ceiling. Thresholds are decorated with metal plates with stamped model name.
In the center of the console panel is the display of the navigation system. On the steering wheel are the touch keys for controlling the multimedia complex. Almost all systems and devices of the car can be controlled from the steering wheel.
Kia Opirus seats are ergonomic, there is the ability to adjust the head restraints. The steering wheel and front seats are adjusted using a servo. The illumination of the main instruments - tachometer, speedometer, engine temperature and fuel level sensors - white and red, the instruments themselves are recessed into the panel.
The soundproofing characteristics of Kia Opirus are excellent, the engine is silent during operation, which significantly increases the overall level of comfort.
Maintainability
Belonging to the representative class is a guarantee of its high quality, reliability and rare failure. Despite this, the car needs regular and competent maintenance. Maintenance Kia Opirus, mainly associated with small expenses, will be required once every several years.
Prices
The cost of Kia Opirus, depending on the technical condition, appearance and mileage, varies from 350 to 550 thousand rubles.
Security
The business class car is equipped with eight airbags, an electronic stability program ESP and an anti-lock braking system ABS. Suspension adjustment in difficult road conditions is carried out by the ECS electronic system, which eliminates the buildup of the car and reduces the fluctuations of the chassis.
Owner reviews
Kia Opirus - the most expensive car from the entire lineup of the South Korean concern Kia. Sedan, according to reviews, is characterized by easy control, dynamic characteristics, reliability and a high level of comfort, which is consistent with the level of European models of a similar segment. The machine complies with environmental standards Euro-5, which is its additional advantage.
Owners of Kia Opirus celebrate the original and attractive exterior of the car. To date, the model is considered one of the most popular among all vehicles of South Korean production.