The all-new 2011 Kia Optima midsize sedan, first seen during the 2010 New York International Auto Show, is coming soon with three new powertrains – a 200 horsepower 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 274 horsepower 2.0-liter GDI turbo or a 2.4-liter hybrid engine. 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. 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.
The all-new Optima is longer, wider and lower than the vehicle it replaces with an overall length of 190.7 inches, an increase of 1.7 inches over the previous model, an overall width of 72.1 inches and wheelbase of 110 inches, an increase of 2.9 inches, and has a low ground clearance of 5.3 inches. The 2011 Optima is based on an all-new midsize platform available 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. The 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.
The 2011 Optima offers a Convenience Package (LX A/T only) with 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. 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.
The Kia Optima, like the Hyundai Sonata, is providing real competition to the Japanese and American mid-size market leaders and gets a notch up with the 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty and five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan. The new models will accelerate Kia and Hyundai's sales and market share growth in the U.S.
The New York Auto Show media days debuted an impressive line of vehicles from a variety of manufacturers but it was the Koreans that ran away with the most stunning introductions, specifically Kia. Kia showed the all-new 2011 Sportage crossover, the all-new 2011 Optima sedan, an upscale verion of the all-new Sorento called the "Sorento SX". Adding to the Korean frenzy Hyundai detailed all the bells and whistles, including massage seats, for its new $50,000-plus Equus. Hyundai also showed hybrid and turbo powered versions of the Sonata which was the top introduction at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The biggest surprise, was the Forte five-door hatchback which will appeal to Mazda3 buyers. All, with maybe the exception of the Sorento SX have the potential to be high volume sellers. More deatils from the New York Auto Show will follow - stay tuned.
