2011 Kia Optima: Its mighty mouse
About a decade ago, it was hard to find the one car that could be frugal yet a high performer for the motor enthusiast. Today, VW has been able to break the jinx for a better ownership proposition by introducing the FSI and TFSI engine to their four pot engines ranging from 1.4 litre to […]
About a decade ago, it was hard to find the one car that could be frugal yet a high performer for the motor enthusiast. Today, VW has been able to break the jinx for a better ownership proposition by introducing the FSI and TFSI engine to their four pot engines ranging from 1.4 litre to 2 litre engines and even beyond that.
Well, I’m happy to let you know that Kia is doing the same with its Optima from its 2 litre to its 2.4 litre engines. The Kia Optima offers a 2 litre engines that turns out 165 to a whopping 274 horses and a 2.4 that turns out 180 to 200 horses. The suspension which is also shared with the Sonata comes with macpherson struts, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar up front and a multilink setup with coils in back.
So, what kind of needs will this car address? Well, if you are in need of an office assistant or nanny with super powers to get work done in the knick of time at low cost and easy to live with. Well, this car wont do all that but it will save you money for fuel or take you on a long distance journey if Kaduna is your bedroom and Abuja is the living room. Moreover managing V6 and V8 engines in everyday life around the city could tear a whole in your pocket if you are careless but this one is like trying to break the laws of physics. So, for a middle class businessman, a premium trim would be best for both family and business trips for companies a deluxe version (EX trim) for management staff. In fact, its an overly equipped farmer.
Standard equipment include a slew of advanced safety features such as ESC and ABS brakes, as well as Sirius Satellite Radio, cooled glove box, iPod connectivity, and handsfree Bluetooth phone operation. EX models receive Kia’s new UVO infotainment system by Microsoft with integrated backup camera and Proximity Key with Push-Button Start. SX models add a rear spoiler, metal pedals, black hybrid metal and carbon insert trim, paddle shifters, and illuminated scuff plates. A panoramic moonroof, heated front and rear seats, cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, and navigation system are also available.
So regardless, in the hyper-competitive mid-size-sedan market, Kia has nothing to lose and everything to gain by turning its milquetoast Optima into something other than what it is today, according to carand driver.