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2006.5 Kia Optima First Drive
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TO THE POINT
What’s New? The 2006.5 Kia Optima is completely redesigned, with a new four-cylinder engine, a roomier interior, and much better ride and handling characteristics.
Selling Points: Value, styling, ride quality, handling, warranty
Deal Breakers: Flaccid seats, weak V6 engine option, disappointing fuel economy
Our Advice: Since the 2006.5 Kia Optima competes in one of the most popular segments of the market, it’s likely that you can drive a great deal on this new midsize sedan. And since the sticker price is already low, that means Kia might carve out a niche for the attractive new Optima.
MEET THE COMPETITION
Ford Fusion
Hyundai Sonata
Volkswagen Jetta
RELATED LINKS
Kia Optima Photo Gallery
Kia Sedona First Drive
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Specifications
The 2006.5 Kia Optima’s closest competitors include the Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Stratus, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Mitsubishi Galant, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Pontiac G6, Suzuki Verona, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Jetta.
Test Vehicles: 2006.5 Kia Optima LX V6; 2006.5 Kia Optima EX
Price of Test Vehicles: $21,345 (LX V6 – includes $600 destination fee); $22,695 (EX Leather Package – includes $600 destination fee)
Engine Size and Type: 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder; 2.7-liter V6
Engine Horsepower: 161 at 5,800 rpm (4-cyl.); 185 at 6,000 rpm (V6)
Engine Torque: 163 lb.-ft. at 4,250 rpm (4-cyl.); 182 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm (V6)
Transmission: Five-speed automatic with manual shift feature
Curb weight, lbs.: 3,179 (4-cyl. automatic); 3,287 (V6)
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 24/34 mpg (4-cyl. automatic); 22/30 mpg (V6)
Observed Fuel Economy: 23.4 mpg
Length: 186.4 inches
Width: 71.1 inches
Wheelbase: 107.1 inches
Height: 58.3 inches
Leg room (front/rear): 43.7/37.8 inches
Head room (front/rear): 39.8/38.0 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: Five
Max. Cargo Volume: 14.8 cu.-ft.
Competitors: Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Stratus, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Mitsubishi Galant, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Pontiac G6, Suzuki Verona, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Jetta Photos courtesy of Kia Motors, photographed by Greg Jarem
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About Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw joined Autobytel's Automotive Information Center (AIC) in January 2003, and current serves as Manager of Content Development for Autobytel. Previously, Christian spent eight years as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Automotive Data for Edmunds.com. A writer, editor, and automobile aficionado, Christian is a different sort of car enthusiast. His passion lies in the vehicles that people most often buy, rather than with high-performance sports cars or ultra-luxury sedans. “Given the choice to spend an hour with a Dodge Viper or a Honda Accord, I’ll choose the Accord,” he claims. Unless, of course, the driving venue is a racetrack. Christian has been a car enthusiast all of his life, uttering “car” as his first word while growing up in Detroit. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English. His daily drivers include a 1994 Mazda Miata, a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata, and a 2005 Nissan Murano.
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