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Saturday, May 21, 2011
Kia first officially unveiled the next Optima at the 2010 New York Auto Show, and Leftlane’s own Mark Elias even reviewed the car, but no one knew what they would cost – until now. Pricing will begin at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $18,995 with a six-speed manual transmission and the base LX trim level.
The LX trim level comes standard with a healthy list of features, like AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS satellite radio, power windows, power door locks, dual exhaust with chrome tips, a cooling glove box and auxiliary USB audio input jacks for connecting MP3 Players6 and Bluetooth7 wireless technology connectivity with steering-wheel mounted voice activation controls. Don’t forget six standard air bags as well.
Opting for the simplicity of an automatic will bump the price to $20,495, but also adds alloy wheels, cruise control and Active Eco System to help monitor fuel economy.
If middle ground is your style, then the Optima EX starting at $22,495 may be the ticket for you. The EX adds to the LX’s list of features with 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, leather trimmed seats, eaight-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control, push-button start and auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink and compass.
For the big spender, the Optima Ex Turbo comes in at $24,495 and features a 274 horsepower GDI 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This powerful-yet-frugal engine is good for up to 34 miles on a single gallon of gas while cruising at freeway speeds. Of course, Kia also added larger front disc brakes, a unique grille and different wood and metal interior accent pieces as well.
The five-person cabin features front bucket seats and a rear bench seat. The redesigned interior features a more driver-oriented design, with the entire center control panel angled toward the driver.
Standard features include a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cloth seats, a cooled glove box, a CD stereo with a complimentary three-month Sirius Satellite Radio subscription, auxiliary and USB ports, and Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use. EX trims add Kia's UVO entertainment and communication system that's similar to Ford's Sync technology, a power driver's seat, a backup camera, push-button start, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The top-of-the-line SX features leather upholstery, stitched seams, paddle shifters in front of the steering wheel, metal pedals and illuminated scuff plates.
Available features include a memory feature for the driver's seat, heated and cooled front seats, rear seat heaters, a heated steering wheel and a navigation system that incorporates Infinity surround sound.
With its creased sheet metal and low-slung shape, there's a luxury-car sophistication to the Optima's exterior that you don't see in a lot of family sedans. The Optima features the new face of Kia cars that we've seen on models like the Sorento and Sportage crossovers. It's essentially a black mesh grille bordered by angular headlights, and the design enhances the car's aggressiveness. The placement of the Kia badge above the grille is a little odd-looking, though.
The base LX trim comes with 16-inch steel wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips and supplementary turn signal lights in the side mirrors. The midlevel EX gets 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, heated side mirrors and chrome-accented body-colored door handles. The sport-themed SX gains 18-inch alloy wheels that are partially painted black, auto-leveling high-intensity-discharge headlights, LED taillights, a small rear spoiler and red brake calipers. A panoramic sunroof is available.
Three trim levels are primarily differentiated on the outside by their wheel sizes. LX models wear 16s, EXs get 17s, and the big-dog SX rolls on 18s. To the LX’s gear, the EX adds fog lights, heated outside mirrors, body-color door handles, a little more chrome pizzazz, a rearview camera, push-button ignition, dual-zone climate control, and Kia’s new Uvo vehicle-interface system developed with Microsoft.
Spring for the SX, and you’ll net HID headlights, LED taillights, and an LCD information screen tucked into the instrument panel. The SX also is set apart with a unique appearance, thanks to a separate grille design, exclusive rocker moldings, a lip spoiler, and red brake calipers. Inside is French-stitched black leather, with metal pedals and paddle shifters to make the driver feel faster.
The 2011 Optima is based on the same platform as the recently introduced Hyundai Sonata, and promises outstanding fuel economy and performance to go along with its stunning new look. Underhood, the Optima’s powertrain offerings mirror that of the all-new Sonata.
That means buyers will be able to choose from a 200 horsepower 2.4-liter, a turbocharged 2.0-liter delivering 274 horsepower and 34 mpg, and a fuel-sipping hybrid system. Set to hit the market in 2011, the Optima Hybrid will mark the brand’s first gas-electric model.
Electronic dream
Perhaps Kia was trying to make up for that deficiency by loading up the car with lots of electronics.
All the amenities drivers expect are there, including Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone operation and USB connections to the stereo mounted at the base of the center stack with a cubby to hold a phone or music player.
My loaded test model came with the optional convenience/technology package, which included an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, Infinity audio system, navigation system, back-up camera and dual climate zones.
The Optima also comes with a host of safety features, including six air bags, active front headrests, height adjustable seat belts and a tire pressure monitoring system.
This keeps the car on par with most in the segment, though it certainly doesn't make the Optima the leader or even a frontrunner in this department. But that doesn't mean Kia won't get there.
reference:www.cars.com/,www.leftlanenews.com,www.caranddriver.com
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