The all-new 2011 Kia Optima midsize sedan has been launched in America to make life harder for Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Hyundai Genesis. The new Optima is built on upon a brand-new platform and is longer, wider and lower than the car it replaces. It comes with a long list of standard and optional features, and powerful yet efficient powertrains. Next year Kia will also launch a hybrid version of this model, which will be the brand’s first ever hybrid in the US.
2011 Optima is available in in three trims, LX, EX and SX, The LX includes dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, outside mirror turn signal indicators and 16-inch steel wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires. Upgrading to the EX offers standard fog lights, heated outside mirrors, exterior chrome/body-color door handles along with 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/55/R17 tires, while the EX Turbo adds a unique front grille design.
Moving up to the athletic SX adds HID headlights with auto leveling, LED rear combination lights, unique front grille design, rear lip spoiler, sculpted side sills, aero wiper blades, black front brake calipers and 18-inch black machined finish alloy wheels furnished with P225/45R18 tires, achieving a true performance look.
The car’s elegant and spacious interior is where you find standard features such as a six-way adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, illuminated vanity mirrors with a ticket holder and a trip computer further expand the cabin’s luxurious qualities. In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features also come standard throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service.1
Also standard on all trims are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players2 and Bluetooth®3 wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls.
In brief, the car is very well equipped! But if you are still not convinced, then check this out:
Additional standard interior features include a tilt/telescopic steering column, power door locks, power windows, sun visor extension and a cooling glove box. Stylishly appointed cloth seats provide comfortable seating while a 60/40 split-folding rear seat offers multiple seating and cargo arrangements depending on driver and passenger needs. Optima LX with automatic transmission features cruise control and an active system for optimal fuel efficient driving.
Optima EX comes well-equipped and offers premium standard features, including the UVO powered by Microsoft®4 hands-free in-car entertainment and communication system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. later this year) with rear-view camera, push button-start ignition with smart key, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with rear vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink®5 and compass, auto light control, driver and front passenger automatic window up/down and an eight-way power driver’s seat, illuminated glovebox, rear reading lamps, floor mats and chrome door handles. Moving to the EX Turbo also adds wood interior trim with metal accents for a more luxurious feel.
For consumers looking for even more sporty appeal, the Optima SX adds unique black leather woven seat trim, black interior trim with carbon insert film, Supervision™ meter cluster with LCD display, center fascia and meter housing, soft trim with French seams, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals and lighted metal door scuff plates.
For those who seek the latest superior quality technology and convenience features for a modern and comfortable driving experience, the 2011 Optima offers a multitude of packages for each trim. The Convenience Package (LX A/T only), offers an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink®, while the LX Technology Package (with Convenience Package) adds the navigation system with back-up camera, an eight-speaker Infinity®6 premium audio system and dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear ventilation.
Moving to the already well-equipped EX trim consumers can opt for the Premium Package, which adds the panoramic sunroof with high-gloss B-pillar, four-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with driver’s seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, wood interior trim and center console and metal-finished shifter. The EX Technology Package (with Premium Package) adds the navigation system with back-up camera and eight-speaker Infinity premium audio system.
As for the engines, the 2011 Optima is available in three all-new and fuel-efficient Theta II powerplants, a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo or a 2.4-liter hybrid engine.
The 2.4-liter GDI engine produces 200 horsepower7 and upgrading to the available 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine (EX Turbo and SX models) delivers V6-type power with a four-cylinder engine that produces 274 horsepower, while mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This represents Kia’s first application of GDI technology, while a 2.4-liter hybrid Optima will be introduced in 2011. All automatics feature Sportmatic® clutchless shifting. A single six-speed manual transmission is available only with the LX four-cylinder model.
In addition to impressive performance, both engines also offer consumer-friendly fuel economy. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder posts 24/35 mpg (city/highway) when mated to the manual transmission and 24/34 mpg when coupled with the automatic transmission, while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI offers 22/34 mpg, only available with the automatic transmission.
Standard safety features on the car include six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC).
Like all other Kias, this one too comes with an excellent warranty. The 2011 Optima is covered by KMA’s warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage.
