2011 Kia Optima: It has it all

2011 Kia Optima

There are weeks when as part of our test drives, it inevitably attracts the attention of passersby and neighbors. This is often the case when one is at the wheel of a sports or luxury car. Who could have predicted that one day, a Kia sedan bearing the emblem would be on my list of vehicles that have generated the most interest? Well aware that this was the case at the wheel of the new Optima 2012, a car successfully at all levels and in a surprise to many of them during our test. And the best part? Unlike vehicles that are normally found on our list of "wow", much of the population can expect to find themselves behind the wheel of this car.

Good arguments

The 2012 Kia Optima follows the Magentis and is intended to compete with, including the Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda6 and Toyota Camry. Big names, of course, but the Optima has a few tricks up his sleeve, so as not to let themselves be imposed. Proposed in the basic version below $ 22 000, it inherits a series of four-cylinder direct-injection 2.4-liter, a 200 horsepower with a torque of 186 lb-ft. A power far greater than that of four-cylinder engines of its rivals. In fact, only the Honda Accord, with its 190 horsepower, comes close, while the Toyota Camry is far behind with 169 horses. In the case of the Optima, the engine is married to a six-speed manual gearbox, or an optional automatic, six-speed also. The lot, only the Ford Fusion can be equipped with all-wheel drive, one of the only regret that we can deal with the Optima.

One can make the same observation with regard to to the most opulent, the Optima SX. With its four-cylinder 2.0-liter supercharged 274 horsepower, it picks up again in the palm of power to meet its rival V6 engines. This is especially generous torque, 269 lb-ft developed from the 1750 r / min, which makes the engine of the Optima also interesting. You guessed it, thanks to its smaller displacement, turbocharged four cylinder that also brings the lowest average consumption of the lot.

Finally, the Optima will also be offered soon in hybrid version, the latter obviously bringing extra fuel economy. It has under the hood of a gasoline engine of 2.4 liter 166 horsepower, mated to an electric motor of 30 kW, adding about 40 more horsepower.

She is beautiful

I remember writing in the past that Korean cars had no style, or they exhibited lines taken from the left and right. Kia has finally understood that pays the look and chose to hire a few years ago, Peter Schreyer, a renowned designer who has worked at Audi particular. We begin to see the effects of this decision, and in the case of the Optima, the result is more than convincing. If you can appreciate the technology and quality mécaniquea the Optima is especially lines that appeal to first. "How beautiful! "This comment has been earned by many passers-by. This is especially true in the livery sportier SX, mainly because of its 18-inch wheels. The car displays a beautiful design and attention to detail is evident outside. It is rare that a color advantage of a car so significantly, but in the case of Optima, white its look great. Why? Probably because all the white highlights black contrasts, including the roof, the wheels, the front grille and side air intakes.

I was amused to mask the Kia logo on the front and to guess the brand of the car to several people. None had the right answer, believing this to be a new model of a famous logo scratched. All were surprised to find under my hand Kia emblem, and they were even more surprised when I mention the price of our test model: $ 33 695 for a fully equipped Optima SX! A real "deal".

Equally successful on board

Same point on board. There is a strong attention to detail so that each element appears to have been carefully studied. The dashboard has a nice ergonomics. The central part is slightly towards the driver, thereby facilitating access to various commands. Everything is simple to understand and very intuitive. The instrumentation is modern and offers a central multifunction display showing various information from the onboard computer. Our test model was conspicuous by its two-tone leather seats, trim its imitation carbon fiber and a metallic pedals. In short, nothing has been forgotten. We even thought of sounding a beep when you cut the engine and as you leave the car. Our only regret? We would have appreciated the seats with a little more lateral support. It was not all a size typical for Americans!

On the road

When taking the wheel of the Optima, the first thing you notice affects its direction a bit heavy at low speed. Those who appreciate the very assisted directions will be disappointed. The whole is much less pronounced at higher speed. Our Optima SX proposed under the hood, the turbocharged four-cylinder 274 horsepower. This engine is surprisingly flexible and its strong recovery. Push the throttle and feel the engine torque delivered without delay. The days of turbocharged engines were decked out with a slight delay before responding seems long gone. But all that power brings a slight torque steer, but the condition of our roads does not help that item.

In the case of the Optima SX, power is relayed to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The latter changes gear without any hesitation and enjoy the presence of multiple pedals behind the steering wheel, giving you full control reports and the engine speed. If its close cousin, the Hyundai Sonata offers a suspension for maximum comfort, the Optima put a little more about sportsmanship. The suspension, combined with a very rigid body, provides a pleasant and dynamic behavior on small winding roads. Of course, the Optima is not a great sport but it can be described as playful car.

And to put the lid on, the Optima offers a distinct advantage last to compete: a basic warranty of 5 years/100, 000 km. Hard to believe that Kia has given birth to a car as successful at all levels. That certainly will force the competition to react and you have not seen the last of the Optima also win various prestigious titles as each other. One can only salute the work of Kia.

ASSESSMENT FORM

Model tested: 2012 Kia Optima

Version tested: SX

Price Range: 21 995 à 35 000 USD

Price as tested: $ 33,695

Basic Warranty: 5 years / 100 000 km

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years / 100 000 km

Options: n.a

Competitors: Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Suzuki Kizashi, Toyota Camry

Strengths: Style successful

Well-equipped

Reasonable consumption

Powerful engines

Weaknesses: Management firm at low speeds

Headroom in the back smaller

Accelerator rather difficult to modulate