2011 Kia Optima Review

Kia just keeps coming up in the world.

For example, this South Korean automaker's third-generation Optima sedan tears a page from the successful old Detroit automaker playbook by making its new Optima longer, lower and wider.

The 2011 front-drive Optima is sleeker, with boldly flared wheel arches, a raked cabin and even Jaguar-esque front fender vents. It's also more luxurious to help it compete in the competitive mid-size four-door market, which includes veteran heavy hitters such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord..

A smooth runner, the new Optima has more of an upscale interior, with an instrument panel contoured toward the driver. But it's got the same basic suspension and direction-injection gasoline engines as the highly rated new Sonata, which comes from Kia's partner-Hyundai.

The Optima offers nicely equipped base LX and higher-line EX and SX trim levels, It comes with either a smooth direct-injection 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 200 horsepower or a turbocharged direct-injection 2-liter four-cylinder with 274 horsepower. The turbo engine delivers nearly the same fuel economy as the 2.4-liter four. A hybrid gas-electric model will be introduced in 2011.

Transmissions are a six-speed manual-offered only for the LX-or a responsive six-speed automatic with a manual-shift feature.

Only the SX with the four-cylinder engine were available for testing at a media preview in Newport Coast, Calif. The turbocharged engine is available for the EX and SX. The SX adds a unique grille design, sport suspension, rear spoiler, sculpted side sills and larger 18-inch wheels (versus 16- or 17-inchers for other trim levels) with wider tires.

The 2.4 engine provides quick 65-75 mph passing. In fact, it has six more horsepower than the 2010 Optima's 2.7-liter V-6. Steering is precise, and the all-independent suspension allows good handling and the right tuning to provide a smooth ride for the car's market. The brake pedal has a linear action, although a rather soft feel.

The 2.4-liter four delivers an estimated 24 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway with the manual and 24 and 34 with the automatic. The turbocharged version provides 22 and 34. No figures for the hybrid were released.

Prices weren't announced, but Kia said they'll start in the $19,000 range. They likely will top out at approximately $27,000.

Even the base LX has standard air conditioning, power windows and door locks with keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3/satellite radio, two power outlets, beverage cooling glove compartment, side mirror turn signal indicators, manual tilt/telescopic steering column and split/folding rear seats. Add the automatic transmission and you get standard cruise control.

Move up to the EX and added are such items as a power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear vents, push-button start ignition, leather seat trim and a leather-wrapped wheel. The EX turbo model also gets a unique front grille design.

Safety items include front- and side-curtain air bags, electronic stability and traction-control systems, brake assist system, hill assist control and antilock-brakes.

Various option packages contain such items as a panoramic sunroof, front passenger power seat, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and wood interior trim. There's also a package that contains a navigation system with a back-up camera and an eight-speaker Infinity premium audio system.

The quiet interior has upscale materials, easily read gauges and comfortable long-distance seats. Most controls are easy to use, although there's a mixture of large and small climate and sound system controls. Doors have pockets and bottle holders and cupholders are conveniently located, but the foot-operated emergency brake seems old-fashioned..

The cabin is roomy, especially in back, but the center of the rear seat is too stiff for comfort. It's best to use the fold-down center rear armrest with its cupholders.

The trunk opening is wide, but rather high. Rear seatbacks flip forward and sit flat to allow more cargo space. The trunk lid has an easily gripped interior handle to assist closing it.

The hood opens smoothly on a single strut to reveal a big plastic engine cover and easily reached fluid filler areas.

Kia offers long-term warranties and has been introducing desirable, well-received models. The new Optima promises to also be a hit.