One take a look at the new, 2011 Kia Optima confirms its distinguished aesthetics. They are at the quite forefront of contemporary design, sleek, muscular, with none of the odd feel that sometimes characterizes new Asian cars. This is a family sedan which will earn its place in the American driveway.
The Optima’s interior appointments and materials are handsome, generous, first-quality in every single respect. Gorgeous leather adorns the dashboard and seating, promoting the impression that driver and passengers are traveling First Class. Seating is comfy and delivers just the best degree of firm support, even in the rear seats, permitting the driver to make alert, confident driving decisions.
The style and layout of the Optima instrumentation reflect well-considered ergonomics and cutting-edge technologies. Legible, pleasingly jewel-like instruments reconfirm that this is no mindless commuter module. The expected provisions are all present, plus one or two bonus conveniences. These include a cooled glove compartment for keeping sodas chilled and heated/cooled seating.
The Optima offers a full inventory of options, everything from a nav package to a back-up camera, paddle-shifter transmission shifters to an extra-large panoramic sunroof, and much more. Connectivity conveniences contain satellite radio, USB audio input jacks and Bluetooth wireless, with steering wheel voice activation controls that deliver hands-free phone operation.
The Optima’s over-the-road characteristics are similarly enlightened. Its front-wheel drive system propels a four-wheel independent suspension that is athletic and responsive, essential in sudden emergency-avoidance maneuvers. The ride is nicely compliant over rougher pavement, however the suspension accurately communicates all road-surface details, keeping the driver totally informed. The Optima chassis is so very good that, while no raging performance sedan, its handling has a really sporty glimmer.
For our initial test, the Optima was only accessible having a 2.4-liter four-cylinder of 200 horsepower. This engine, while much less than exciting, proved entirely satisfactory for typical driving. Quiet at highway cruising speeds, it delivered sufficient power to keep you competitive within the Interstate grand prix, even though delivering an EPA-estimated 24/35 mpg City/Highway. Subsequently added is often a somewhat a lot more powerful 274-hp 2.0-liter turbo Optima. And in 2011 Kia will debut a 2.4-liter hybrid package.
Model Lineup
The 2011 Kia Optima LX ($18,995) comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and an option of 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic ($20,495). Standard features include cloth seat trim, air conditioning, solar glass, outside mirror turn signals, AM/FM/CD/MP3 with Satellite radio, USB input jacks, glass antenna, dual dash power takeoffs, cooling glovebox, front/rear armrest and cupholder, sunglasses holder, front/rear in-door bottle holder, illuminated vanity mirror, tilt/telescope steering, steering-wheel controls, keyless entry, power windows with driver Auto Down, intermittent wipers, driver’s power lumbar support, up/down tilt headrests, 16-inch wheels with 205/65R16 tires. A Convenience Package ($600) upgrades to an eight-way power driver’s seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink and compass. The LX Technologies Package ($2,700) includes the Convenience Package and adds the navigation system with rearview camera, Infinity premium audio, and dual-zone climate control.
Optima EX 2.4 ($22,495) adds foglights, heated outside mirrors, exterior chrome/body-color door handles, glovebox illumination, Smart Key wtih push-button start, auto light control system, 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/55R17 tires. The EX Premium Package ($2,250) adds a panoramic sunroof, four-way front passenger seat, driver’s seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, wood trim. The EX Technology Package ($2,000) includes the Premium Package and adds the navigation system with rearview camera, Infinity premium audio.
Optima EX 2.0T ($24,495) functions the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, bigger front brake discs, unique front grille. Premium Package EX 2.0T ($2,150) adds the panoramic sunroof, four-way front-passenger seat, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel. Technology Package EX 2.0T with Premium Package ($2,000) adds the navigation system, rearview camera, Infinity premium audio.
Optima SX 2.0T ($25,995) attributes a sport-tuned suspension, P225/45R18 tires, 18-inch black machined wheels, black front-brake calipers, HID headlights with auto leveling, LED rear lights, special front/rear bumper style, sculpted side sills, spoiler, aero wiper blades. Premium Package SX 2.0T ($2,150) consists of the panoramic sunroof, four-way front-passenger seat, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats. Technologies Package SX 2.0T with Premium Package ($2,150) consists of navigation with rearview camera, Infinity premium audio. (All New Auto Test Drive prices are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices, which don’t consist of destination charge and may alter at any time without notice.)
Safety features contain dual front advanced airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, side-impact door beams, front/rear crumple zones, impact-absorbing steering column, three-point seatbelts, front seatbelt pretensioners, adjustable front seatbelt anchors, child safety locks, childseat anchors, emergency trunk release, four-wheel power anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), brake assist, traction control (TCS), electronic stability control (ESC), hill-start assist (HAC), tire-pressure monitor. Optional safety functions contain the rearview camera.
