First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima

Rivalries are a fact of life. When they are in the family, they can be troublesome. On the other hand, they can help to raise the level of game for both family members.

That’s the case Kia finds itself in with the 2011 Kia Optima.

First seen at the New York International Auto Show back in April, the Optima looked a stunning, almost Teutonic counterpart to the stylized and swoopy Hyundai Sonata. This wouldn’t much matter if the two cars came from separate automakers, but the Optima and Sonata are direct rivals offered by the same parent company.

At that point, the gauntlet was thrown, and all bets were off. It looks like Kia is not content to just play second fiddle anymore.

See also:

Wipers and washers
Windshield wiper/washer Rear window wiper/washer (if equipped) A : Wiper speed control · MIST/ – Single wipe · OFF – Off · INT – Intermittent wipe (if equipped) · LO – Low w ...

Owning
The Kia's length, width and stretched wheelbase provide excellent legroom in the rear. The boot is also generous, with a 420-litre luggage capacity. In the front, though, the cabin doesn't give yo ...

Parking brake
Checking the parking brake Type A Check whether the stroke is within specification when the parking brake pedal is depressed with 20 kg (44 lb, 196N) of force. Also, the parking brake alone sh ...