Drivers can get behind the wheel of the comfortable, luxurious 2016 Kia Sedona at Fred Anderson Kia

When the redesigned Kia Sedona burst onto the scene in 2015, the minivan instantly began turning drivers' heads everywhere it went. After a successful debut campaign, where numerous awards were won, the 2016 Kia Sedona is ready to keep the fire burning with several small, but appreciated changes. Fred Anderson Kia, a Raleigh Kia dealership, now has several 2016 Sedona minivans on its lot and is informing consumers what this year's model has to offer.

One thing that remains untouched on the 2016 Kia Sedona is the luxuriously designed exterior. This all starts with the large, aggressive grille and front fascia. From here the vehicle develops a sporty, aerodynamic feel that flows all the way to the rear of the vehicle where customers will find an available Smart Power Liftgate that automatically opens with the Smart Key.

As for interior changes that were made to the 2016 Sedona, the eight passenger seating will now be available on a wider number of trims. A rear display camera is now standard on all trims as well, including the base L trim. In addition to the leather seats that come standard on the EX trim, heated seats will also be available for 2016.

The 2016 Kia Sedona will once again be powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine with 276-horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. It is rated at 24-mpg on the highway and 18-mpg in the city. The UVO eServices infotainment system, a voice-command navigation system, First-Class lounge seats and a surround view monitor will all be available as well.

Source

Kia Sportage – third- and fourth-gen, side-by-side

The fourth-generation Kia Sportage, which was revealed in September before making its official debut in Frankfurt, should be arriving on these shores sometime next year, but we’ve got an early view of how it shapes up to the outgoing third-gen SL before it gets here, courtesy of a simple side-by-side comparo.

The photos are from Korea – two generations of the SUV happened to be parked next to each other, and snaps were duly taken by reader Jie Jun Teng. The new QL has been on sale in South Korea for months now, having been launched there in early September (before Frankfurt).

The current SL Sportage has presence, but as the photos show, the QL’s front has incredible heft – massive would best describe that face next to the old one; certainly, there’s no shortage of bumper on the new car. It’s also quite visually imposing at the back, which features among other things sharper LED rear lights and a chrome trim strip providing linkage between the units.

Design-wise, the new Sportage has improved aerodynamics, and it’s also a more refined offering mechanically – NVH levels are down compared to the current one. The interior is also an advancement in terms of material and trim.

Engine options for the new Sportage include a new turbocharged 1.6 litre T-GDI petrol engine which makes 174 hp and 265 Nm of torque and a 1.6 litre GDI petrol offering 130 hp and 161 Nm. A new seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT) is dedicated to the 1.6 litre T-GDI engine – a choice of six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission works with all the other mills.

The current Kia Sportage facelift sold locally – be it two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive form – is powered by a 2.0 litre Nu MPI four-cylinder petrol engine developing 154 PS at 6,200 rpm and 191 Nm at 4,700 rpm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Source

2015 Kia Forte Koup SX - Aperture & Letter Omissions Keep Breed Alive - Quick Review

Until recently "affordable enthusiastic driving" was the domain of high-style, but lower utility, two-door coupes. Then, "Drive...He Said" discovered some enthusiastic four-doors out there, picking the sleek  2014 Kia Forte EX  automatic as tops among 4 top small family sedans.

But in defense of a seemingly dying breed of sporty affordable 2-doors, Kia [quietly] markets a more powerful variant of Forte with a manual transmission. MINUS two doors...and the letter "E", appending Koup.

2015 Kia Forte Koup SX:

WHAT: Compact C category , front-wheel drive, 2+3 occupant 2-door coupe;

Locomotion:  transverse 201 hp/ 193 lb-ft turbocharged, direct injection 1.6L DOHC I-4 gas engine;

Transmission(s): 6-speed manual (optional 6-speed torque converter automatic) transaxle

Chassis Layout: front strut/ rear torsion beam semi independent; Four wheel disc brakes, front vented; 18"-inch alloy wheels on SX, electric power steering assist

Standard Accoutrement: Cruise control; 1 x USB/ 2 x 12V ports; Keyless entry, push-button start; 7"-inch touch LCD infotainment screen; 60/40 folding split rear seat back; Power locks, windows; Power heated & folding side mirrors; Aluminum pedals; Selectable steering effort; Tilt & telescoping leather wrapped steering wheel; Bluetooth connectivity w/ voice commands & streaming audio; Music jukebox HDD

Major Options: 7" touch LCD infotaiment w/ HDD navigation; Leather seats, Power moonroof; Leather seats: Front heated, driver's cooled & 10-way powered; Heated steering wheel; HID headlights; 4.2" TFT color MFD, Auto-dimming rear-view mirror w/ Homelink; 2-Zone auto climate w/ rear seat vents; Carpeted floor mats, cargo mat.

WHEN: On sale: September 1, 2015

WHERE: Kia dealers

HOW MUCH: Price w/6-speed manual transmission = $20,590; As tested (w/ Premium + Tech Pkgs.): $25,485

HOW SAFE: 8 airbags, high tensile steel, no driver's assist tech offered; IIHS Ratings: side & frontal impact: "Good", "Good"; small front overlap: "Poor"

WHERE MADE: Hwasung, South Korea

GOES LIKE: Throttle-on-a-String demands 3000 rpm upshifts for serious steam, exacerbating the garbage disposal sounds from the engine; Smooth 2nd-3rd manual gearbox throws aren't possible...come to think of it nor are 1st-2nd;  rapid steering, but numbness isn't helped by selectable effort; Body leans aplenty; 18" Wheels pound ponderously; not even Traction control can stop Nexen CP671 M+S tires from slipping in the slick; Not the worst undesteerer in class; Hungryman appetite brakes need church bells and hard pedal application.

FEELS LIKE: Chrome door releases & center stack switch bezels brighten up dark office; Low front cowl grants generous forward field of view; Perforated pebble grained leather feels rich; Instrument binnacle hood stitching & faux carbon fiber trim, half-hearted;  Switch buttons are where buttons belong and knobs where knobs belong;  Engine buzz makes abundant hard plastics resonate; Small icons on 7" Center stack touch infotainent screen, which is sun wash-out prone; Navigation response is jerky and lacks bird's eye map mode; Front seat-belt B-pillar extender arm clever but clunky; Doors weigh a "ton".

HOW USEFUL: Supportive front buckets remember recline but not pitch when accessing rear seat; Seat to pedal distance, relative to steering wheel, not ideal; Nice to have concealed center stack USB and dual 12V connections; Doors low on storage and swing too wide; Good luck entering/ exiting rear seat without dinging neighboring car doors; 6' footers shouldn't have any issues in the back seat; Trunk easily holds weekend getaway's cargo for four.

HOW EFFICIENT:  28 combined miles-per-gallon on 87 octane unleaded gas

HOW APP-licable: subscription available UVO telematics + E-Services ($600); 6-speaker audio system has plenty of volume, some depth, but too much tone coloration.

LOOKS: Sleeker than Scion TC ; Tamer than Civic Si; Sensuous fashion model who has reach middle age; Reincarnation of Guigiaro designed late 1980's Isuzu Impulse.

VALUE: Feature wise, you could do far worse than Forte Koup. Lazy throttle saps noisy drivetrain. Warranty: Can't beat 10 yr/ 100k mi. drivetrain, 5 yr./ 60k mi. B-T-B warranty - except after a resale, which halves powertrain warranty.

Source

2016 Kia Optima SXL Review

Kia's Optima is not one of the best-known mid-size sedans, but it should be. Its combination of distinctive style, space, comfort and convenience, and a lineup with something for nearly everyone, from value on a budget through near-sport-luxury is unusual in a class comprised of family transportation appliances. Perhaps that's not all that surprising, considering that the Optima is more international in flavor than its major competitors -- Kia is Korean, but its president and chief design officer is German, and the Optima is assembled at Kia's facility in West Point, Georgia, southwest of Atlanta.

If, at a glance, the 2016 Optima looks like a slightly-freshened 2015 model, it's not. It's a touch longer and wider, all the better for interior space and comfort. Styling is recognizable and familiar, but ever so slightly changed. And drivetrain choices are greater than ever before, with a new 1.6-liter turbocharged engine matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automanual as the high-tech fuel economy choice joining the existing 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated and 2.0-liter turbocharged models, both with six-speed torque-converter automatics. All engines are twincam four-cylinder, with direct fuel injection. With 245 horsepower from the 2.0 turbo, there is no need for a V6.

Trim levels are LX 2.4, with the 2.4-liter engine, LX 1.6T, with the new 1.6 turbo, EX 2.4, and SX 2.0T and SXL 2.0T with the two-liter turbo. With standard equipment including alloy wheels, solar windshield glass, cruise control, variable-speed intermittent wipers, a tilt- and telescope-adjustable steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, a trip computer, and audio choices including AM, FM, SiriusXM radio, auxiliary and USB inputs, and USB charging, the LX is no bare-bones appliance for the rental market. The ante is progressively upped to the SXL, which has features not long ago considered property only of luxury brands as standard equipment. Soft, stitched Nappa leather seating, fronts heated and cooled and memory for the driver's seat and mirrors, the full suite of audio choices and navigation, auto-leveling HID headlamps with cornering movement and LED tail lamps and running lights, a panoramic sunroof, and a full suite of electronic safety systems including front collision warning, blind spot and rear cross traffic alert, lane-departure warning, rear parking assist, autonomous emergency braking, and smart cruise control are all included. As is the Surround View Monitor system, which used video cameras at the front, rear, and under the outside mirrors to synthesize an "overhead" view of the area around the car, useful in tight parking spots or tricky driveways.

A full suite of features is no guarantee of a good car. But in the Optima's case, the car itself is first-rate without any of the gilding. If you're looking at a middle-class midsize sedan, it's worthy of consideration. Upscale, if you need the status of a premium European brand, you can pay for that. If you merely want a comfortable and capable entry-luxury sedan with surprisingly good performance and fuel economy, take a look at a 2016 Kia Optima SXL. My test car returned 26 mpg overall for the week, with more than usual highway driving and plenty of wet, blustery weather. It was solid and secure through all of that, and with a strong, flat torque curve and 245 horsepower on tap, quick maneuvers and merges were never a worry.

APPEARANCE: Continuity is good. The new Optima is readily recognizable, and you'll likely just think it's a minor restyling of last year's car. The shape is definitely familiar, especially the gently-arched, near fastback passenger cabin. The fractionally-increased dimensions are not apparent, but nearly all exterior bits have been changed, and the look is more European than Asian. The grille and front bumper fascia are the most readily apparent bits, with a revision of the "tiger nose" tabbed grille to now incorporate the headlights. The lower intake is flanked by two functional aero ducts for a sport-oriented look. The roofline may be familiar, but small windows in the C-pillars visually lighten the car. The rear is subtly revised, with new taillights and changes to the lower "diffuser panel".

COMFORT: Inside, the Optima is as Euro-inspired as outside, with a simple, flowing design and cohesive shapes. Materials and fit and finish are of high quality. The quilted leather seats look inviting, and are. Power adjustability for both, and on a cold winter day the heated cushions and steering wheel rim were most appreciated. Comfort and support are very good. The steering wheel adjusts manually for tilt and reach, and has audio, cruise, and information system controls. Shift paddles are found behind the horizontal spokes. The main instruments are brightly-lit and easily visible in all lighting. The touchscreen at the top center of the dash is controlled by marked hard buttons below, or by voice. Audio choices are all current modes plus (when available) Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A panoramic moonroof adds airiness when closed and fresh air when open. At SXL level, outboard rear passengers get heated cushions and plenty of space. A comfortable back angle and 60/40 folding capability add comfort and convenience. The trunk is reasonably-sized, and there is a space-saver spare tire under its floor.

SAFETY: In addition to the mandated safety equipment and features -- airbags, antilock brakes, backup camera, and such -- 2016 Optimas with the UVO connectivity system now have Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert, and Driving Score eServices. Other electronic safety systems include Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Parking Assist, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning System, and Autonomous Emergency Braking, which can bring the car to a stop automatically under certain conditions. The 360-degree Surround View Monitor helps in tight situations and hostile lighting.

RIDE AND HANDLING: Greater use of high-strength steel aids structural rigidity and strength, and so so crash protection and vehicle dynamics. Increased insulation and revised engine and suspension mounts decrease interior noise levels to nearly luxury-car levels. A near-full undertray helps lessen aerodynamic drag and wind and road noise. The fully-independent MacPherson strut / multilink suspension is tuned for comfort, with soft but correctly-matched spring and damper rates. The new Optima is a pleasant and stable car at speed on the highway, even in adverse conditions, and is also enjoyable on the backroads.

PERFORMANCE: With 245 horsepower developed at 6000 rpm and, more importantly, 260 lb-ft of torque from 1350 through 4500 rpm, the 2.0-liter turbocharged in used in the Optima SX and SXL is perfect for its job. It's lighter in weight than an equivalently-powerful V6, for better chassis balance and road manners. Direct fuel injection allows a high 10.3:1 compression ratio for increased efficiency, further increased by turbocharging. The result is plenty of instant torque for quick acceleration when desired or needed, and economical operation during low-load steady-speed cruising, as on a mostly-level highway. An under-seven second 0-60 time means no fear when merging from a short onramp, and the lack of demand for turbo boost in moderate or steady-state driving means 30+ mpg easily on the highway. As is increasingly common, the six-speed automatic transmission has multiple shift modes. The default is fine nearly all of the time. Eco lessens throttle response and maps shifting for optimum economy, perfect on the highway. Sport showcases the engine's ability, and manual shifting can be useful when you absolutely must get up to speed as quickly as possible.

CONCLUSIONS: Why go for bland? With plenty new for 2016, the Kia Optima is a different choice for a family sedan.

Source

Road Tested: The Fuel Efficient Kia Optima EX a 2016 Best Pick

For those who are seeking an affordable, powerful and fuel efficient mid-sized sedan, don’t miss road testing the award-winning 2016 Kia Optima EX. We decided to take this turborcharged Optima through its paces from LA’s storied Hollywood Hills to Orange County’s historic downtown Fullerton district. Would this luxurious near luxury ride really get its EPA-estimated 28 combined mpg on our almost 100-mile ride?

First, we raced down LA’s treacherous Hollywood Hills, through historic traffic-laden boulevards and then hopped on scarily-fast-moving freeways to arrive at our Fullerton condo destination. Through it all, the 2.4-liter, four-cylinder direct injection Optima EX engine handled every move with ease and grace.


What did the electronic fuel monitoring system say when we arrived about 45 miles later? 25.4 mpg. Now, that’s certainly not 28 mpg, but it took less than two gallons to speed our way from LA to OC and in killer Kia style no less. In fact, we have road tested several Optima model versions recently, so we are not surprised Kia’s Optima has garnered some top awards in 2016 including International Car of the Year and Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy Award.

The 2016 Optima is available in five trim levels with the EX coming in the middle with the LX and LX 1.6T below and the SX and SXL above. The EX’s claim to fame is a long list of standard “luxury” features along with a racing-tuned engine (185 hp and 178 lb. ft. of torque) to provide for a more powerful sedan.

The 2016 Optima EX starts at an base MSRP of just $24,890 and includes the following standard features:

2.4-liter engine, dual projection headlights with LED positioning lights, LED tail light, power folding heated outside mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome accented outside door handles outside. Inside find dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers, tilt-and-telescoping steering column, leather heated steering wheel with thumb-based controls, satin chrome and wood grain center console and window trims, push-button start, integrated memory plus 12-way power driver and four-way lumbar support leather trimmed seats (10-way power and two-way lumbar for front passenger seat), six-way adjustable back passenger seats, 60/40-split folding adjustable rear seats, six advanced safety air bags.

Keeping your drive safe are anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, electronic brake distribution, hill start assist control and a tire pressure monitoring system.


What did the electronic fuel monitoring system say when we arrived about 45 miles later? 25.4 mpg. Now, that’s certainly not 28 mpg, but it took less than two gallons to speed our way from LA to OC and in killer Kia style no less. In fact, we have road tested several Optima model versions recently, so we are not surprised Kia’s Optima has garnered some top awards in 2016 including International Car of the Year and Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy Award.

The 2016 Optima is available in five trim levels with the EX coming in the middle with the LX and LX 1.6T below and the SX and SXL above. The EX’s claim to fame is a long list of standard “luxury” features along with a racing-tuned engine (185 hp and 178 lb. ft. of torque) to provide for a more powerful sedan.

The 2016 Optima EX starts at an base MSRP of just $24,890 and includes the following standard features:

2.4-liter engine, dual projection headlights with LED positioning lights, LED tail light, power folding heated outside mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome accented outside door handles outside. Inside find dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers, tilt-and-telescoping steering column, leather heated steering wheel with thumb-based controls, satin chrome and wood grain center console and window trims, push-button start, integrated memory plus 12-way power driver and four-way lumbar support leather trimmed seats (10-way power and two-way lumbar for front passenger seat), six-way adjustable back passenger seats, 60/40-split folding adjustable rear seats, six advanced safety air bags.

Keeping your drive safe are anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, electronic brake distribution, hill start assist control and a tire pressure monitoring system.


The exterior of this new Optima is in one word: stunning. Kia has bumped up its exterior sophistication as of late and the new Optima is no different, so says Kia’s president and chief designer officer Peter Schreyer. He calls his 2016 Optima design “modern and instantly recognizable.”

I’m not sure if you’d say “Kia” right away when you walk up to a 2016 Optima EX, but you’d most definitely think: “This is a sexy Euro-styled sedan with an edge.”

Kia says its new Optima has a longer, wider and stiffer chassis “for improved ride and handling and a more spacious cabin.” Surely, on our weeklong road test through some of LA’s fanciest neighborhoods, we discovered Kia did an excellent job in crafting an even better-looking Euro sedan in its new Optima.

The new Optima’s width makes it quite the modern monster ride. Take that aggressive stance – along with fly alloy wheels, beefy chromed-out grille, super sculpted sidelines, panoramic roof and rough-in-a-good-way racer booty – and you got a design winner on the Optima’s sexy and sporty outside.

Inside, the front cabin exudes more European grace with an interior to rival BMW indeed. The flat sweeping dash and sparse central console bent towards the driver are quite BMW-like as is the feels-perfect steering wheel with thumb-based controls, crisp digital gauges, do-everything supremely comfortable leather trimmed chairs, hot high tech infotainment and an available bumpin’ Harmon/Kardon surround sound system (see pricing below but all this and more for under $30).

The Optima truly gets today’s modern driver as this cockpit features a mobile device charging niche just at the bottom of the central console and in front of the handsome shift knob (which fits perfectly in your right hand while driving even though you don’t need to shift). This deep rectangular pit held my oversized LG G4 perfectly with its black rubber grip at the bottom while the “charging unit” just above conveniently fits everything from a traditional 12-volt “cigarette” input to iPhone auxiliary to USB ports. Well played for mobile road warriors, Kia!

Those who upgrade to the Optima EX’s “premium package” (see prices below) get UVO2 infotainment software on the impressive eight-inch touchscreen. Plus, this roving hot spot connectivity system also comes with four additional “eServices” including: Speed Alert, Curfew Alert, DrivingScore3 and Geo-fencing. In addition, Kia has announced its 2016 Optima is the “pilot vehicle” for Kia’s introduction of Android Auto (must operate using Lollipop) and is working on “late availability” integration for Apple’s CarPlay (so not yet available in dealerships and must be iOS8.X or higher).

Sure, you could stop with the Optima EX’s premium package and be quite content with the standard six-speaker audio system. However, on several tests of 2016 Optima models, I have come to discover the ethereal ear enjoyment of the Optima’s premium audio package.

Quite frankly, this sophisticated Euro-styled sedan is further enhanced into luxury status with the superior sounds of its available Harman/Kardon QuantumLogic surround sound system – especially when coupled with HD Radio and SiriusXM satellite radio. The 630-Watt digital amplifier equipped with Clari-Fi’s “multidimensional soundstage for playback” technology boosts each ride into an exhilarating audiofest.

The 2.4-liter EX trim level is a good choice for those who are seeking top performance and fuel efficiency at the same time along with a chance at all the goodies in Kia’s tech and safety magic box in two somewhat affordable packages.

The 2.4-liter turbocharged powerplant, which is exclusively found in the EX, is certainly powerful enough to tackle anything LA’s got from its treacherous Mulholland Drive to the windy Cahuenga Pass to stop-and-go traffic on historic boulevards to narrow cottage-lined streets. Although this road tester would be happier with a bit more pep from a dead stop, the Optima’s acceleration in all gears is zippy and robust. All other driving dynamics – especially steering and handling – are excellent and make for any type of drive you are seeking from a calm Sunday drive to a safe school commute to a rush-to-work commute.


We have road tested almost every 2016 Optima model and – after a week driving in LA traffic – we deem this EX model to be the best pick for those who want performance, fuel efficiency and must stick to a petrol-powered car.

Besides all of Kia’s many standard and available advanced safety systems, the 2016 Kia Optima was awarded five stars in crash test ratings from the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Source

2016 Kia Optima SXL Review by Carey Russ

Kia's Optima is not one of the best-known mid-size sedans, but it should be. Its combination of distinctive style, space, comfort and convenience, and a lineup with something for nearly everyone, from value on a budget through near-sport-luxury is unusual in a class comprised of family transportation appliances. Perhaps that's not all that surprising, considering that the Optima is more international in flavor than its major competitors -- Kia is Korean, but its president and chief design officer is German, and the Optima is assembled at Kia's facility in West Point, Georgia, southwest of Atlanta.

If, at a glance, the 2016 Optima looks like a slightly-freshened 2015 model, it's not. It's a touch longer and wider, all the better for interior space and comfort. Styling is recognizable and familiar, but ever so slightly changed. And drivetrain choices are greater than ever before, with a new 1.6-liter turbocharged engine matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automanual as the high-tech fuel economy choice joining the existing 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated and 2.0-liter turbocharged models, both with six-speed torque-converter automatics. All engines are twincam four-cylinder, with direct fuel injection. With 245 horsepower from the 2.0 turbo, there is no need for a V6.

Trim levels are LX 2.4, with the 2.4-liter engine, LX 1.6T, with the new 1.6 turbo, EX 2.4, and SX 2.0T and SXL 2.0T with the two-liter turbo. With standard equipment including alloy wheels, solar windshield glass, cruise control, variable-speed intermittent wipers, a tilt- and telescope-adjustable steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, a trip computer, and audio choices including AM, FM, SiriusXM radio, auxiliary and USB inputs, and USB charging, the LX is no bare-bones appliance for the rental market. The ante is progressively upped to the SXL, which has features not long ago considered property only of luxury brands as standard equipment. Soft, stitched Nappa leather seating, fronts heated and cooled and memory for the driver's seat and mirrors, the full suite of audio choices and navigation, auto-leveling HID headlamps with cornering movement and LED tail lamps and running lights, a panoramic sunroof, and a full suite of electronic safety systems including front collision warning, blind spot and rear cross traffic alert, lane-departure warning, rear parking assist, autonomous emergency braking, and smart cruise control are all included. As is the Surround View Monitor system, which used video cameras at the front, rear, and under the outside mirrors to synthesize an "overhead" view of the area around the car, useful in tight parking spots or tricky driveways.

Kia's Optima is not one of the best-known mid-size sedans, but it should be. Its combination of distinctive style, space, comfort and convenience, and a lineup with something for nearly everyone, from value on a budget through near-sport-luxury is unusual in a class comprised of family transportation appliances. Perhaps that's not all that surprising, considering that the Optima is more international in flavor than its major competitors -- Kia is Korean, but its president and chief design officer is German, and the Optima is assembled at Kia's facility in West Point, Georgia, southwest of Atlanta.

If, at a glance, the 2016 Optima looks like a slightly-freshened 2015 model, it's not. It's a touch longer and wider, all the better for interior space and comfort. Styling is recognizable and familiar, but ever so slightly changed. And drivetrain choices are greater than ever before, with a new 1.6-liter turbocharged engine matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automanual as the high-tech fuel economy choice joining the existing 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated and 2.0-liter turbocharged models, both with six-speed torque-converter automatics. All engines are twincam four-cylinder, with direct fuel injection. With 245 horsepower from the 2.0 turbo, there is no need for a V6.

Trim levels are LX 2.4, with the 2.4-liter engine, LX 1.6T, with the new 1.6 turbo, EX 2.4, and SX 2.0T and SXL 2.0T with the two-liter turbo. With standard equipment including alloy wheels, solar windshield glass, cruise control, variable-speed intermittent wipers, a tilt- and telescope-adjustable steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, a trip computer, and audio choices including AM, FM, SiriusXM radio, auxiliary and USB inputs, and USB charging, the LX is no bare-bones appliance for the rental market. The ante is progressively upped to the SXL, which has features not long ago considered property only of luxury brands as standard equipment. Soft, stitched Nappa leather seating, fronts heated and cooled and memory for the driver's seat and mirrors, the full suite of audio choices and navigation, auto-leveling HID headlamps with cornering movement and LED tail lamps and running lights, a panoramic sunroof, and a full suite of electronic safety systems including front collision warning, blind spot and rear cross traffic alert, lane-departure warning, rear parking assist, autonomous emergency braking, and smart cruise control are all included. As is the Surround View Monitor system, which used video cameras at the front, rear, and under the outside mirrors to synthesize an "overhead" view of the area around the car, useful in tight parking spots or tricky driveways.

A full suite of features is no guarantee of a good car. But in the Optima's case, the car itself is first-rate without any of the gilding. If you're looking at a middle-class midsize sedan, it's worthy of consideration. Upscale, if you need the status of a premium European brand, you can pay for that. If you merely want a comfortable and capable entry-luxury sedan with surprisingly good performance and fuel economy, take a look at a 2016 Kia Optima SXL. My test car returned 26 mpg overall for the week, with more than usual highway driving and plenty of wet, blustery weather. It was solid and secure through all of that, and with a strong, flat torque curve and 245 horsepower on tap, quick maneuvers and merges were never a worry.

APPEARANCE: Continuity is good. The new Optima is readily recognizable, and you'll likely just think it's a minor restyling of last year's car. The shape is definitely familiar, especially the gently-arched, near fastback passenger cabin. The fractionally-increased dimensions are not apparent, but nearly all exterior bits have been changed, and the look is more European than Asian. The grille and front bumper fascia are the most readily apparent bits, with a revision of the "tiger nose" tabbed grille to now incorporate the headlights. The lower intake is flanked by two functional aero ducts for a sport-oriented look. The roofline may be familiar, but small windows in the C-pillars visually lighten the car. The rear is subtly revised, with new taillights and changes to the lower "diffuser panel".

COMFORT: Inside, the Optima is as Euro-inspired as outside, with a simple, flowing design and cohesive shapes. Materials and fit and finish are of high quality. The quilted leather seats look inviting, and are. Power adjustability for both, and on a cold winter day the heated cushions and steering wheel rim were most appreciated. Comfort and support are very good. The steering wheel adjusts manually for tilt and reach, and has audio, cruise, and information system controls. Shift paddles are found behind the horizontal spokes. The main instruments are brightly-lit and easily visible in all lighting. The touchscreen at the top center of the dash is controlled by marked hard buttons below, or by voice. Audio choices are all current modes plus (when available) Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A panoramic moonroof adds airiness when closed and fresh air when open. At SXL level, outboard rear passengers get heated cushions and plenty of space. A comfortable back angle and 60/40 folding capability add comfort and convenience. The trunk is reasonably-sized, and there is a space-saver spare tire under its floor.

SAFETY: In addition to the mandated safety equipment and features -- airbags, antilock brakes, backup camera, and such -- 2016 Optimas with the UVO connectivity system now have Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert, and Driving Score eServices. Other electronic safety systems include Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Parking Assist, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning System, and Autonomous Emergency Braking, which can bring the car to a stop automatically under certain conditions. The 360-degree Surround View Monitor helps in tight situations and hostile lighting.

RIDE AND HANDLING: Greater use of high-strength steel aids structural rigidity and strength, and so so crash protection and vehicle dynamics. Increased insulation and revised engine and suspension mounts decrease interior noise levels to nearly luxury-car levels. A near-full undertray helps lessen aerodynamic drag and wind and road noise. The fully-independent MacPherson strut / multilink suspension is tuned for comfort, with soft but correctly-matched spring and damper rates. The new Optima is a pleasant and stable car at speed on the highway, even in adverse conditions, and is also enjoyable on the backroads.

PERFORMANCE: With 245 horsepower developed at 6000 rpm and, more importantly, 260 lb-ft of torque from 1350 through 4500 rpm, the 2.0-liter turbocharged in used in the Optima SX and SXL is perfect for its job. It's lighter in weight than an equivalently-powerful V6, for better chassis balance and road manners. Direct fuel injection allows a high 10.3:1 compression ratio for increased efficiency, further increased by turbocharging. The result is plenty of instant torque for quick acceleration when desired or needed, and economical operation during low-load steady-speed cruising, as on a mostly-level highway. An under-seven second 0-60 time means no fear when merging from a short on-ramp, and the lack of demand for turbo boost in moderate or steady-state driving means 30+ mpg easily on the highway. As is increasingly common, the six-speed automatic transmission has multiple shift modes. The default is fine nearly all of the time. Eco lessens throttle response and maps shifting for optimum economy, perfect on the highway. Sport showcases the engine's ability, and manual shifting can be useful when you absolutely must get up to speed as quickly as possible.

CONCLUSIONS: Why go for bland? With plenty new for 2016, the Kia Optima is a different choice for a family sedan.

SPECIFICATIONS

2016 Kia Optima SXL

Base Price $ 35.790

Price As Tested $ 36,615

Engine Type turbocharged DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with direct fuel injection

Engine Size 2.0 liters / 122 cu. in.

Horsepower 245 @ 6000 rpm

Torque (lb-ft) 260 @ 1350-4500 rpm

Transmission multi-mode 6-speed automatic

Wheelbase / Length 110.4 in. / 191.1 in.

Curb Weight 3594 lbs.

Pounds Per Horsepower 14.7

Fuel Capacity 18.5 gal.

Fuel Requirement 87 octane unleaded regular gasoline or better

Tires 235/45R18 94V Michelin Primacy mxm4 m+s

Brakes, front/rear vented disc / solid disc, ABS. ESC, VSM standard

Suspension, front/rear independent MacPherson strut / independent multilink

Drivetrain transverse front engine, front-wheel drive

PERFORMANCE

EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon city / highway / observed 22 / 32 / 26

0 to 60 mph est. 6.8 sec

OPTIONS AND CHARGES

Ivory Nappa Leather interior $ N/C

Destination Charge $ 825

Source

Hyundai, Kia's cumulative sales to reach 100 mln next year

SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co. and its sister Kia Motors Corp. are likely to see their combined sales reach 100 million units next year for the first time in 54 years, industry data showed Sunday.

As of November the two flagship companies of the Hyundai Motor Group have sold a total of 90.71 million units worldwide since 1962, when Kia started commercial sales in South Korea, according to the data.

Hyundai's cumulative sales reached 62.38 million since 1968, while Kia sold 34.73 million cars over the 54-year period. The former took over the latter in 1998 in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis.

Some 70 percent of their total sales, or 67.72 million, came from overseas markets, with the rest sold at home.

The total sales figure is expected to reach the 100 million plateau in March of next year, given average sales of 650,000 units a month.

Their cumulative sales topped 30 million in 2003, 50 million in 2008 and touched the 90 million line in 2015.

The two carmakers are aiming at selling around 8.3 million units together at home and abroad next year, slightly up from the 8.2 million target for this year.

Source