2011 Kia Optima

Not that it would aid. As other world carmakers stroll along at their customary dignified pace, Kia and Hyundai continue to lunge forward by leaps and bounds. What takes the other people six or seven years to accomplish, Korea does in half the time. The rate of improvement in Korean cars is almost alarming. The fine Hyundai Genesis luxury/performance vehicles are 1 instance. And now Kia joins in with its all-new 2011 Optima. Aimed at the fast-growing mid-size family sedan segment, this can be a vehicle of startling finesse, offered at a seductive Korean sticker price.

One take a look at the new, 2011 Kia Optima confirms its distinguished aesthetics. They're at the extremely forefront of contemporary design, sleek, muscular, with none of the odd feel that sometimes characterizes new Asian cars. This is really a family sedan that can earn its location within the American driveway.

The Optima's interior appointments and materials are handsome, generous, first-quality in each and every respect. Gorgeous leather adorns the dashboard and seating, promoting the impression that driver and passengers are traveling Very first Class. Seating is comfortable and delivers just the proper degree of firm support, even inside the rear seats, allowing the driver to make alert, confident driving decisions.

The style and layout of the Optima instrumentation reflect well-considered ergonomics and cutting-edge technology. Legible, pleasingly jewel-like instruments reconfirm that this is no mindless commuter module. The expected provisions are all present, plus 1 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 a lot 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 which is athletic and responsive, important in sudden emergency-avoidance maneuvers. The ride is nicely compliant over rougher pavement, but the suspension accurately communicates all road-surface details, keeping the driver fully informed. The Optima chassis is so good that, while no raging performance sedan, its handling has a quite sporty glimmer.

For our initial test, the Optima was only obtainable having a 2.4-liter four-cylinder of 200 horsepower. This engine, although less than exciting, proved entirely satisfactory for standard driving. Quiet at highway cruising speeds, it delivered enough power to keep you competitive inside the Interstate grand prix, while delivering an EPA-estimated 24/35 mpg City/Highway. Subsequently added is really a somewhat much more potent 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 having a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine along with a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic ($20,495). Standard characteristics 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.four ($22,495) adds foglights, heated outside mirrors, exterior chrome/body-color door handles, glovebox illumination, Smart Key wtih push-button commence, 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) consists of the Premium Package and adds the navigation system with rearview camera, Infinity premium audio.

Optima EX 2.0T ($24,495) features the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, larger front brake discs, distinctive 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) functions a sport-tuned suspension, P225/45R18 tires, 18-inch black machined wheels, black front-brake calipers, HID headlights with auto leveling, LED rear lights, distinctive front/rear bumper design, 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. Technology 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 do not contain destination charge and may alter at any time with out notice.)

Safety characteristics consist of 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.

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