Performance & Economy

Opirus´ 3.5-litre V6 engine, which generates 149 kW (203 ps) of power and 298 Nm (30.4 kg.m) of torque, propels the new front wheel-drive sedan from standstill to 100 kph in 9.2 seconds, from 60-100 kph in 5.1 seconds, and onwards to a top speed of 220 kph. Drivers can switch the five-speed automatic transmission to manual sequential mode to fully exploit the engine´s power for a more sporty performance.

The fully independent suspension, with its long wheel travel and standard ECS ´active´ shock absorbers, greatly enhances the manoeuvrability and handling of Opirus. Additional electronic aids give this new Kia unprecedented levels of road holding.

Traction Control

To help the front tyres transmit the generous power and torque to the road surface, Opirus is fitted with a traction control system (TCS) as standard. It incorporates speed sensors on each wheel that detect tyre slippage by the driven (front) wheels when starting out or accelerating, or at any time - it operates continuously at all speeds. When slippage is detected, the system instantly reduces engine output to the driven wheel or applies that wheel´s brake to slow its rotation and re-establish traction.

Electronic Stability Program

Opirus is also equipped with third generation Electronic Stability Program [ESP] developed by Continental Teves Corporation of Germany - the first time a Kia vehicle has ever been fitted with such a system.

Unlike traction control, ESP works on all four wheels and, when it senses a severe skid situation, or extreme oversteer or understeer, it intervenes to adjust engine power and individual wheel speed by applying that wheel´s brake, to restore the car to the driver´s intended course.

The ESP computer employs eight sensors to monitor each road wheel, the steering wheel angle, throttle position, acceleration and yaw. It compares data on the intended direction of the car and the actual track of the car. When a potential skid is identified, the ESP "sees" the problem by constantly comparing the status of the car to a computer generated reference model based on the current situation.

The system is able to correct driver errors and also to give greater control in wet, icy or slippery conditions. More importantly, the system is constantly operating and thus able to make precise adjustments even during an extreme emergency manoeuvre. ESP is therefore able to defuse potential accident situations under extreme conditions, even before the driver has a chance to react.

Fuel Economy

The combination of a modern, efficient engine and computer-controlled ´adaptive´ high-geared automatic transmission enables Opirus to achieve good fuel economy for a sedan of its size and class. The figures for Extra Urban (motorway) driving and the Combined driving cycle are 8.23 and 11.40 respectively. Urban fuel consumption is 16.92 litres of gasoline per 100 km. The 70-litre gasoline tank gives Opirus a typical range of 600 km in everyday motoring. Opirus C02 rating is 273 g/km.