2011 Kia Optima Hits the Launching Pad
Following hot on the wheels of completely redesigned products like the 2010 Kia Forte and 2011 Kia Sportage, the all-new 2011 Kia Optima has now been officially launched and is just days away from reaching Kia dealer showrooms. The made-over Optima is expected to be a strong new entry in the mid-size sedan segment, offering expressive design, an affordable MSRP, and both turbocharged and hybrid variants.
The car boasts perhaps the best execution yet of Kia's new design language, which was developed by the automaker's chief design officer, Peter Schreyer. Originally known for his bold work on the first Audi TT, Schreyer's efforts imbue the new Optima with a dramatic exterior that sets it far apart from the rest of its competition, both inside and out.
The Optima's sleek, sculpted sheet metal shows off an aggressive stance and menacing front fascia, with clean, pronounced lines that sweep back toward its detailed tail-lamp treatment. The inside of the vehicle is just as striking with a driver-oriented cockpit that still offers a surprising amount of room for passengers. In fact, the cabin is a distinctly comfortable and up-to-date place for all occupants to spend time, with a high level of standard content that includes a premium sound system with both auxiliary and USB input jacks, voice-activated Bluetooth wireless connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted controls, 60/40 split rear seats, and a six-way adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support.
Drivers also can take the Optima further up-level with unique available features such as a panoramic dual-pane sunroof that sheds light on both front- and rear-seat passengers and Kia's new UVO system. This hands-free, in-car entertainment and communications solution powered by Microsoft technology makes its U.S. debut on the 2011 Optima and will find its way to select other Kia products in the future.
Another important advance for the Optima is its range of available powertrains. The standard engine is the automaker's new Theta II four-cylinder engine, a 2.4-liter mill that leverages gasoline direct injection (GDI) to deliver 200 hp. When mated to a six-speed manual transmission (available only on the Optima LX), the result is an EPA line of 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway. With this engine hooked up to Kia's proprietary six-speed automatic with Sportmatic clutchless shifting (standard on all other models), the bottom line is 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway.
But that's just for starters. The Optima will also be available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI I4 that's good for a robust 274 horses and a low-impact 22 mpg city/34 mph highway. And for a sharper focus on fuel efficiency, the Optima hybrid is expected to debut in early 2011 with fuel efficiency numbers similar to those from the coming Hyundai Sonata hybrid: Approximately 37 mpg city/39 mpg highway.
Kia has not yet released pricing details of the 2011 Optima yet, but all signs point to the vehicle being another high-value, low-cost winner for the automaker.