2009 Kia Optima / Magentis

At first glance the redesigned 2009 Kia Optima (sold in Canada as the Magentis) looks like a marked improvement over the outgoing model.

The design itself, while not exactly breathtaking, is on par with Japanese and American competitors. In fact, one could even say it is handsome.

The car is just 2.5-inches longer than the ’08 model but due to the robust styling looks even larger. And combined with the bold new chrome grille and chrome trim around the windows it has an appearance that is both serious and just a little sophisticated. In short, it’s an immense upgrade and no longer looks like a wannabe in the family sedan segment.

See also:

Gauges
Speedometer The speedometer indicates the forward speed of the vehicle. Tachometer The tachometer indicates the approximate number of engine revolutions per minute (rpm). Use the tachometer to ...

Safety belts
Pre-tensioner safety belt Your vehicle is equipped with driver's and front passenger's pre-tensioner safety belts. The purpose of the pretensioner is to make sure that excess slack is taken up ...

Brake system
Power brakes Your vehicle has power-assisted brakes that adjust automatically through normal usage. In the event that the power-assisted brakes lose power because of a stalled engine or some oth ...