2011 Kia Optima EX - Short Take Road Test - Car and Driver
Base models get a 192-hp 2. 4-liter four-cylinder, but turbo models have a 274-hp 2. 0-liter four. A hybrid combines a 2. 4-liter four with an electric motor for 199 hp. We’ve found the hybrid a bit fussy but its fuel economy is improved over the gas version. As good as the current model is, an improved Optima goes on sale in late 2015. Official Photos and Info – 2016 Kia Optima The Kia Optima’s prior full redesign was somewhat shocking. Formerly a forgettable-looking, cheaper sibling to Hyundai’s Sonata , the Optima suddenly became the hotter of the sisters. Courtesy of ex–Volkswagen Group designer Peter Schreyer, Kia’s family sedan looked like the Passat we could’ve had if VW hadn’t dowdified the thing when it enlarged the car for the American market. Five years after the last car’s reveal at the New York show, Kia is hoping to keep the magic going with this all-new model. Kia claims the new body structure is 150 percent stiffer than the outgoing model’s. Given that we were impressed by the new Sonata’s dynamic improvements, we don’t doubt that Kia has put in time in this arena, as well. Source: www.caranddriver.com
