The new 2016 Kia Optima features a fuel efficient new engine and transmission, improved interior and a mild update on the styling. Plus, it's a little bigger.
All the changed are aimed at helping to change people's impression of Kia from a cheap South Korean brand to a purveyor of elegant, desirable cars.
The 2016 Optima comes to dealers with a starting price of $21,840. That should make it one of the least expensive midsize sedans on the market. A loaded Optima will run $35,490.
The Optima is among the roomiest midsize sedans. Passenger space increases to 104.8 cubic feet, while the trunk grows slightly to 15.9 cubic feet. The new Optima is 0.4 inches longer and 1.2 inches wider that the 2015 model. Its wheelbase also grew 0.4 inches. The result is plenty of head, leg and shoulder room in front and rear seats.
The big news under the hood is a new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Don't let the name confuse you: the dual clutch shifts itself, and I found it to be smooth and effective during a short drive in the mountains.
The 1.6-liter engine appeared to have plenty of power for most drivers in a brief test near Las Vegas. It generates 178 horsepower.
The Optima also offers a pair of carryover engines: a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter and 245-horsepower 2-liter turbo. Kia will add a hybrid-electric version of the Optima later.
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