Kia Optima 2011

Kia Optima

Kia Optima

Kia Optima

Kia Optima

Kia Optima

Kia Optima

To offer a taste of the new Optima, Kia brought a half-dozen pre-production EX four-cylinder models to Road Atlanta, the renowned 2.54-mile course. The EX is one of three trim levels, including the LX, a step up, and the top-of-the-line SX, which packs the turbo motor. The traditionally aspirated EX is the meat of the lineup.

The Optima and Sonata share the same MacPerson-strut front and multilink rear suspension, so we weren't surprised to find that the two cars offer a similar feel on the road. We lapped the track only twice, in follow-the-leader configuration to keep speeds down. Under these conditions the Optima offered a good balance between a soft ride on straight runs and fairly buttoned-down cornering control. The Optima's product planner, Ralph Tjoa, pointed out that while the Optima's look is athletic and sporty, the dynamics of the car must cater to the mass market—specifically, the suspension must be soft enough for daily commuters. The SX model's firmer ride—and meatier 225/45R18 tires—will match the sporty exterior.

Though the 200-hp four-cylinder provided adequate power, we were disappointed that while in manual mode, the automatic transmission voluntarily upshifted at the top of the rpm range. This annoying detail made us yearn for the SX option: With the manual transmission and more horsepower at just a minimal fuel-economy penalty, we'll have a hard time passing it up.

The Interior

The Optima feels roomy, with the dash angled slightly toward the driver. The windshield has a steep, squinty rake, giving the driver a sporty view. The interior design is fresh, appointed with top-level materials—and not at all reminiscent of the less-inspired Sonata's. In fact, we doubt most people would know by looking at the Kia and Hyundai that the two are related.

The Optima offers a ton of standard features, including USB audio-input jacks, Bluetooth connectivity, tilt-and-telescope steering, and an air-conditioned glove box for cooling drinks. The options include luxury-level tech, such as a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated seats, which our mid-level EX models had. (The seat-cooling feature worked well in the Georgia summer heat.)

With 34.7 inches of legroom, the rear seat feels plenty roomy. Thought the headroom is a mere 1/5 inch less than the Sonata's, it felt tight: This test driver's noggin came within a finger's width of the lowest point on the headliner. Perhaps that's the price you pay for the stylish roofline.

And it is stylish. The more we walked around the perimeter of the Optima, the more we liked its Euro design.

The Bottom Line

The midsize sedan market is crowded and competitive. But buyers seem increasingly willing to take a chance on new entries—especially ones with a reputation for value, like the Kia's. The Optima's long list of options should make it a compelling choice for those who want a sedan that won't get lost in the four-door crowd.