Kia's five-passenger Optima earned a reputation as a value-driven sedan since its 2000 debut, but often lived in the shadows of others in the uberly popular mid-size sedan segment. Making matters more complex was the inferiority complex Optima must have felt when parked along side the Hyundai Sonata, its platform sibling. Sonata always seemed a step ahead in looks and attention.
Fast forward to 2011 where Optima's third- generation makeover along with Kia's hamster-fueled corporate campaign have consumers turning and (in the case of hip-hopping/cruising critters) scratching their heads. Kia's crisp-looking 2011 Optima, based on an all-new mid-size platform, features a complete 180-degree departure from the outgoing, functional-but-bland second generation. Optima borrows an edgy exterior mindset from the new compact Kia Forte, unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Although it's a mid-size, Optima temporarily holds down Kia's flagship sedan status now that the full-size Amanti, (2004-2009) is retired and its replacement, the Cadenza, awaits its formal debut.
Kia Motors America's marketing campaign also includes a partnership with 16 NBA franchises including the 2011 world champion (let's dream) Chicago Bulls. In 1998 during South Korea's own turbulent economic times, Hyundai, the larger and financially stable of the two companies, took a controlling interest in Kia, which arrived in the United States in 1994.
The front-wheel-drive Optima is now 1.7 inches longer (190.7 total inches) an inch wider. Height, however, is one inch shorter, contributing to a lower profile. Eventually, three fuel-efficient four-cylinder powertrains will be available in 2011 including a gas-electric mild hybrid due later in the model year. No V-6s are offered. Gas-exclusive models come in three trims: (LX, EX and SX). Kia's first-ever turbocharged gas-direct engine for the U.S. market joins Optima in 2011. Turbo charging takes advantage of compressed air feed into engine cylinders for a more potent air/fuel combustion. The extra power provided by the turbo provides V-6 horsepower numbers in a four-cylinder- weight engine. No all-wheel drivetrain is available. It's also a sedan-exclusive body style (no coupe or wagon). Optima, however, is one of a handful of mid-size sedans with a six-speed manual transmission.
A 2.4-liter inline naturally aspirated four cylinder gas engine produces 200 horsepower and comes standard in LX and EX. A six-speed manual transmission (24 mpg city, 35 mpg highway) is standard LX while a six-speed automatic (24 mpg /34mpg) is available in LX and standard in EX. The turbocharged 2.0-liter, four cylinder (22 mpg /34 mpg) is standard in SX and available in EX generating a tidy 274 horses. It's mated with a six-speed automatic transmission with sportmatic (manual forward gear shifting capabilities without a foot clutch).
Optima now boasts styling with a touch of European flair. Narrow band-like headlights surround a new honeycomb grille resembling a slightly skewed bow-tie design (sorry Chevy enthusiasts). The center hood is raised an inch or so while gently narrowing towards the grille. Band-like tail lights corner around to the side fender below the short deck lid. Dual chrome tipped exhausts come standard in all trims. The radio antenna is built into the rear glass while a small, dorsal-fin receiver near the roof's rear sucks in satellite radio feeds.
All four side doors swing open extra wide, although the narrow leg entry aisle into row two rates as average. Smooth, arrow-shaped side view mirrors (heated versions in EX and SX) smartly incorporate blinker bands, better alerting other road warriors of future lane-changing moves. All doors sport strap-like, body colored handles. Trunk volume is average at 15.4 cubic feet with interior goose-neck hinges, so carefully situate any large merchandise. Trunk-located pull tabs unlock the 60/40 spilt back rests. An airy, front-row/back/row dual-sectioned panoramic sunroof is optional in EX and SX models.
All Optima trims include a nice array of standard safety nuances including front seat side mounted air bags, side curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, brake assist, electronic stability control and hill assent control. For those seeking even more peace of mind, Optima includes Kia's 10-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty; one of the industry's longest.
Both EX and SX trims offer Premium (sunroof, passenger power seat) and Technology (in-dash navigation and upgraded Infinity audio system) option packages. The entry LX offers convenience and technology packages.
Kia supplied an EX trim with the 2.0-liter turbo and a starting price of $24,495 for a week-long test drive. A technology package ($2,000) and Premium package ($2,150) brought the bottom line to $29,340 including a $695 destination charge. The lowest priced 2011 Optima, a manual transmission LX starts at $18,995. With automatic, add $1,500.
Convenient push-button start is standard in EX and SX trims. Cruise control functions are found on the steering wheel except manual transmissioned LX models, where cruise is not available. Secondary steering wheel audio controls are standard across the board. An in-dash navigation system comes optional in all models except LX with manual transmission.
Satellite radio and CD player come standard across the board as does a USB/iPod port for portable electronics. Three deep-set gauges make up the instrument panel; a circular center speedometer flanked by adjoining three-quarter circle gauges (right-side fuel and temperature gauge). More soft-touch materials now grace the flat-topped, two-tone dashboard. The center stack gentle skews towards the driver, although the front passenger can also play with the scads of audio and ventilation buttons. Both trunk and fuel release levers/buttons are conveniently found on the driver's door below the 45-degree-angled power lock/window/mirror pad.
The low 5.3 inches of ground clearance makes entry and entry easy with seating positions not too low. Cloth seats come standard in entry LX while leather seating surfaces adorn other trims. Front bucket seats tilt towards the stiffer rather than soft spectrum with white stitching. Three adult riders can maneuver in back for short stretches but for ultimate comfort, two adults fit best. Leg room is decent throughout the car but headroom is tight in row two, a price paid for lower-slung exterior styling. Heated and cooled front seats, along with heated rear seats, are optional in EX and SX trims. Eight-way power seats are standard in EX and SX, and optional in LX with automatic transmissions. All four doors feature molded beverage holders. The foot operated parking brake, opens up the area between front bucket seats for diagonally-arranged dual cup holders and a deep arm rest/storage bin.
The brake pedal has a decent glide with no immediate grab when called into action. Compared to its slightly more conservative Sonata Sibling, Optima's handling is tuned a tad sportier. While a high side belt line reduces the width of the side windows, visibility is still decent. When traveling with two riders along I-355 at the posted 65 miles per hour, the turbo four cylinder had plenty of passing power in reserve, although expect a tinge of turbo lag when flooring the accelerator. Handling is good and while not luxury quiet, Optima does a decent enough job of keeping road noise outside. If debating between purchasing a 2010 vs. 2011 Optima, choose the latter since the 2011 should hold a stronger resale value. The 2011 Optima is now snazzy looking and priced lower than a majority of its less eye-appealing rivals. The value-driven DNA applies now more than ever.
Kia started producing vehicles at its first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia just over one year ago, (although Optima is built in South Korea). Locally, Kia houses a regional business office in Lombard.
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