If you see more than a hint of Audi in the crisply extruded lines of the Optima, that's because Kia's head of design -- Peter Schreyer -- spent a number of years formulating the current styling language of the premium German brand. As a result, Kia's models are now gifted with looks far exceeding what is typically expected in their price range.
In other words, Optima looks way more expensive than it actually is. Pricing starts at $21,840.
For 2015, Kia is offering the Optima in five trims: LX, EX, SX, SX Turbo, and Limited. The base engine is a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder, good for 192 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque. Mated to Kia's six-speed automatic transmission, the engine feeds the front wheels and returns 23 miles per gallon in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 27 combined.
Kia Optima SX Turbo and Limited get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four good for 274 horsepower and 269 lb.ft. of torque. Front-wheel drive and the six-speed automatic are teamed with this engine as well. Fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 24 combined.
The cockpit is logically arranged and speaks to the fact the interior of the Optima is focused around its driver. Further, it is finished with soft-touch materials pretty much everywhere some part of your body would come into contact with it.
Legroom, both front and rear, is good for four adults, and headroom is adequate in the back seat, even with the graceful rearward taper of the roof. The optional panoramic sunroof can potentially compromise headroom though, so folks on the taller side might want to make sure they experience the car with the roof installed before they commit to buying one so equipped.
For many years, it was readily apparent to sensitive drivers how Kia could offer so much content in its cars at prices so much less than other models in their competitive sets. All you had to do was listen; Kia's cars were considerably noisier than their competition. Happily, in the case of the Optima, those days are gone. In fact, Kia even offers an acoustic laminated windshield across the entire Optima model range for the 2015 model year. Previously, this was only fitted to the top of the line models. The newfound quiet adds considerably to the premium feel the Kia imparts.
Of course, you can only do so much at this price point; so even though the Kia looks like an Audi, and is largely outfitted like an Audi, don't expect it to drive like one. Now, this is not to say Optima's rough-riding; in fact, quite the opposite is true. The Kia is acceptably smooth, quiet and comfortable.
Where the Kia differentiates itself is in its ability to offer -- at a reasonable price point -- a handsome appearance with decent performance, along with an outsized list of comfort and convenience features.
Standard comfort and convenience features include automatic projector beam headlights, variable intermittent windshield wipers, Bluetooth, cruise control, full power accessories, and remote keyless entry. Key options include dual-zone automatic climate control, voice command navigation, a rear-view camera, a rear parking sensor array, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.
The Optima's standard suite of safety gear includes ABS with disc brakes at all four wheels, traction control, stability control, and a full complement of airbags. If you get an Optima outfitted with the upgraded UVO system you'll also acquire collision notification, the capability of summoning roadside assistance, and you'll be able to set restrictions for teen drivers-or anyone you may happen to loan the car to.
Kia has also endowed the model with an exceptional array of standard comfort and convenience features, along with an outstanding warranty. We're talking 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain, five years or 60,000 miles bumper to bumper, plus five years or 60,000 miles of free roadside assistance.
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