The first Optima made a statement: Kia wants to be a contender. The second-generation Optima, this one, delivers. Although its engines are not the most powerful in the segment, in other important ways, the Optima is every bit as good as any equally equipped, direct competitor. It's as solid, as comfortable, as quiet, as well built, and as economical. Especially that last one, the major measure: price. What a deal.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from Yountville, California.
Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
Kia Optima LX 5M ($16,355); LX 5A ($17,650); LX 5A V6 ($19,345); EX ($19,395); EX V6 ($20,400)
Engines:
161-hp 2.4-liter inline-4; 185-hp 2.7-liter V6
Transmissions:
5-speed manual; 5-speed automatic
Safety equipment (standard):
front airbags; front seat-mounted, side airbags; full-coverage, side-curtain airbags; front-seat, active head restraints; rear-seat, child safety seat anchors (LATCH); tire pressure monitor
Safety equipment (optional):
Electronic Stability Package with electronic stability control, traction control and brake assist; antilock brakes
Basic warranty:
5 years/60,000 miles
Assembled in:
Hwasung, South Korea
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
Kia Optima EX ($19,395)
Standard equipment:
automatic, filtered climate control; AM/FM/CD/MP3/cassette stereo with 6-disc changer; power windows, central locking and heated outside mirrors; cruise control; 8-way power driver seat; leather-wrapped shift knob and tilt-and-telescope steering wheel
Options as tested (MSRP):
Leather Package ($1300) includes leather seat trim, heated front seats, 4-way power front passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, manual rear window sunshade; power sunroof with tilt ($800); ABS ($300); ESP ($300)
Destination charge:
($600)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$22,695
Layout:
front-wheel drive
Engine:
2.4-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
161 @ 5800
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
163 @ 4250
Transmission:
5-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
24/34 mpg
Wheelbase:
107.1 in.
Length/width/height:
186.4/71.1/58.3 in.
Track, f/r:
61.5/61.1 in.
Turning circle:
35.5 ft.
Seating capacity:
5
Head/hip/leg room, f:
39.8/54.5/43.7 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
38/54.7/37.8 in.
Cargo volume:
14.8 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
2000 Lbs.
Suspension, f:
independent, MacPherson strut, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar
Suspension, r:
independent, multi-link, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar
Ground clearance:
6.3 in.
Curb weight:
3179 lbs.
Tires:
P205/60R16
Brakes, f/r:
vented disc/vented disc with ABS, Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:
16.4 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of February 13, 2006.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
800-333-4542 -
www.kia.com
