By the numbers
The Kia Optima is a five-seat mid-size segment passenger car that has an interior that the EPA will probably consider a full size interior.
Longer, lower and wider than the vehicle it replaces, it is the result of design work from Frankfurt, Germany, to Irvine, California, as guided by Kia design director Peter Schreyer – formerly of Audi fame. Hence the new found sense of style.
Utilizing the company’s design facilities in Irvine, the Kia staff picked pieces from some of its rivals to make a car that is as intriguing as it is new. A direct-injection engine adds power where there was none before, and future models will go further with turbocharging and Hybrid engine design. Of course, the Optima draws most heavily from its platform mate, the Hyundai Sonata.
The Optima is staged to go head to head with several of the industry leaders, namely the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Honda Accord. Of course, Kia (and Hyundai) can’t ignore the fact that the Sonata and Optima will both be on many buyers’ shopping lists.
The Optima aims at the sportier end of the market, so buyers might do best to check out lower-trim offerings like the Audi A4, Mazda Mazda6 and even the Saab 9-3, which the Optima bears a squinting similarity to from some angles.
See also:
Theft-alarm system
This system is designed to provide protection
from unauthorized entry into the
car. This system is operated in three
stages: the first is the "Armed" stage, the
second is the "The ...
Powertrains and Performance
Two engines are offered on the Sportage LX: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder
(140 hp and 136 pound-feet of torque) and a 2.7-liter V6 (173 hp and 178 lb-ft).
The Sportage EX comes standard with th ...
In case of an emergency while driving
If the engine stalls at a crossroad
or crossing
If the engine stalls at a crossroad or
crossing, set the shift lever in the N
(Neutral) position and then push the vehicle
to a safe place.
If you ...