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Standard equipment on the LX (when fitted with the manual transmission) includes 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, full power accessories, a height-adjustable driver seat with power lumbar adjustment, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a stereo with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface. Opting for an LX with the automatic transmission gets you alloy wheels, cruise control and the availability of the Convenience package, which consists of an eight-way power driver seat and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The EX comes standard with the Convenience package as well as 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, foglights, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents and leather upholstery. The EX Turbo gets a more powerful engine, bigger brakes and a different grille design. The SX is also turbocharged but has a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, LED taillights, a rear lip spoiler, unique bumper designs, steering-wheel paddle shifters and an upgraded trip computer.
The Technology package (offered for all trims except the manual-equipped LX) adds a rearview camera, a navigation system, an eight-speaker Infinity sound system and, on the LX, dual-zone climate control and rear air vents. The Premium package for the EX and SX adds a panoramic sunroof, a four-way power passenger seat, driver seat memory, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. On the EX and EX Turbo, this package also includes a heated steering wheel.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2011 Kia Optima LX and EX are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 200 hp and 186 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard on the LX Manual, while a six-speed automatic is standard on all other Optimas. In California-emissions states, the Optima has a Super Ultra Low Emissions rating (versus Ultra-Low elsewhere) resulting in a lower power output of 192 hp and 181 lb-ft.
In performance testing, a loaded Optima EX in SULEV form went from zero to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds -- the ULEV Optima will be a bit quicker, but either way, the car is on par with other vehicles in the class. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined with the automatic. The manual gets you 24/35/28.
The EX Turbo and SX get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. We have yet to test an Optima Turbo, but the mechanically similar Hyundai Sonata 2.0T went from zero to 60 mph in a quick 6.6 seconds. The Optima Turbo's EPA-estimated fuel economy is 22/34/26 -- outstanding for a car with this much power.
Safety
The 2011 Kia Optima comes standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, side airbags, side curtain airbags and hill start assist. A rearview camera is optional.
Interior Design and Special Features
The abundance of soft-touch materials, precise switchgear and pleasingly grained plastics make this one of the nicest interiors in its class. Cover up the Kia badge and your passengers are likely to think you're driving a European car.
The Optima has a fairly spacious cabin with comfortable seats and a solid amount of legroom front and rear. The Optima has 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space, which is about average for its class.
Driving Impressions
The 2011 Kia Optima has a composed ride that's comfortable without being isolating. Overall handling for the Optima is certainly pleasant and better than average for the segment.
The star of the show is certainly what's under the hood. Both four-cylinder engines provide best-in-class power and are paired with responsive and smooth-shifting transmissions. The truly impressive fuel economy is an ample slab of icing on the cake.
Some information excerpted from www.edmunds.com
