The 2013 Kia Optima is an incredible combination of looks,
performance and value. Also called the Kia K5, the vehicle was ranked
third among the hot six family sedans "still standing" by the Car and
Driver Motor team in March 2012 and is the official car of the NBA. With
its endless stream of features and an opulent design that's hard to
level any criticism against, it's not hard to see why.
Manufactured by Hyundai Motors from 2000 to 2005, the fact that it shares a drive-train with the Sonata should not be construed to mean that they are the same. The Optima's dashboard tells of a refined tradition, its steering is lower and the suspension hugely dissimilar that's why it loses to the Sonata when it comes to braking. There are three trims available to this sedan: the LX which is the base model, EX and the SX. The other two are the extended and sport models respectively. Appointments are luxurious, and the leather is very fine you would think it's a beaming German brand. Another thing we noted was that the response was as seamless as that of a Mercedes S-Class; you would even forget the steering wheel was linked to the front wheels. The controls are nothing short of brilliant, and the turbo in the sport version (SX) bursts to life like a thunderbolt. The Kia Optima's acceleration is good but a bit noisy, and though it's not offered in a manual transmission the downshift is perfect. Stability is enhanced through the electronic stability control (ESC) and entry is accessed by means of a Proximity Key with Push-Start button.
Interior
Here, we have both ends of styling addressed. This sedan stands out from its competitors such as the Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata and the Chevrolet Malibu with its lavish interior. The Nappa leather in the sport SX is sumptuous and the switchgear is thoughtfully labeled and logically laid out. Rear headrests are optional for the EX and SX, and all seats plus steering wheel are heated, but you will have to configure where the button for the steering wheel heater is hidden. The driver's seat in the Kia Optima is a mark of ingenuity and a force to reckon with; in the country you will hardly notice the miles piling and in the city all day comfort is guaranteed. Add that to the illuminated scuff plates, paddle shifters, navigation system and a panoramic moonroof and you will be living where others exist! The sport SX also entails a carbon insert trim and metal pedals. The instrument panel is well endowed with a Sirius Satellite Radio, Bluetooth functionality, cooled glove box and iPod connectivity. As the turbo kept turning the beats kept coming, thanks to Kia's new UVO infotainment system by Microsoft.
Performance
The turbo in the sport SX delivers as acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, but such statements should be uttered in hushed tones lest Toyota hears of it. The LX engine is a 1.7 L CRD-i with 136 horsepower, but the 2.0 L GDI turbocharged version delivers 274 hp in a wide band. The transmission is a six-speed automatic for all 2013 models, while the 2011 LX had a standard manual transmission. The Kia Optima is a "bad" fuel consumer with about 34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km) for the city and 41 mpg highway, which is incredible for a family sedan.
Sales overview
By December 2011 cumulative sales for the Kia Optima Hybrid together with the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid were 19,672 ranking second after the Prius. For the non-hybrid Optima, 84,590 units were sold and that was not enough for the demand leading to an increased production of 60,000 units this year by the Georgia plant.
Manufactured by Hyundai Motors from 2000 to 2005, the fact that it shares a drive-train with the Sonata should not be construed to mean that they are the same. The Optima's dashboard tells of a refined tradition, its steering is lower and the suspension hugely dissimilar that's why it loses to the Sonata when it comes to braking. There are three trims available to this sedan: the LX which is the base model, EX and the SX. The other two are the extended and sport models respectively. Appointments are luxurious, and the leather is very fine you would think it's a beaming German brand. Another thing we noted was that the response was as seamless as that of a Mercedes S-Class; you would even forget the steering wheel was linked to the front wheels. The controls are nothing short of brilliant, and the turbo in the sport version (SX) bursts to life like a thunderbolt. The Kia Optima's acceleration is good but a bit noisy, and though it's not offered in a manual transmission the downshift is perfect. Stability is enhanced through the electronic stability control (ESC) and entry is accessed by means of a Proximity Key with Push-Start button.
Interior
Here, we have both ends of styling addressed. This sedan stands out from its competitors such as the Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata and the Chevrolet Malibu with its lavish interior. The Nappa leather in the sport SX is sumptuous and the switchgear is thoughtfully labeled and logically laid out. Rear headrests are optional for the EX and SX, and all seats plus steering wheel are heated, but you will have to configure where the button for the steering wheel heater is hidden. The driver's seat in the Kia Optima is a mark of ingenuity and a force to reckon with; in the country you will hardly notice the miles piling and in the city all day comfort is guaranteed. Add that to the illuminated scuff plates, paddle shifters, navigation system and a panoramic moonroof and you will be living where others exist! The sport SX also entails a carbon insert trim and metal pedals. The instrument panel is well endowed with a Sirius Satellite Radio, Bluetooth functionality, cooled glove box and iPod connectivity. As the turbo kept turning the beats kept coming, thanks to Kia's new UVO infotainment system by Microsoft.
Performance
The turbo in the sport SX delivers as acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, but such statements should be uttered in hushed tones lest Toyota hears of it. The LX engine is a 1.7 L CRD-i with 136 horsepower, but the 2.0 L GDI turbocharged version delivers 274 hp in a wide band. The transmission is a six-speed automatic for all 2013 models, while the 2011 LX had a standard manual transmission. The Kia Optima is a "bad" fuel consumer with about 34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km) for the city and 41 mpg highway, which is incredible for a family sedan.
Sales overview
By December 2011 cumulative sales for the Kia Optima Hybrid together with the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid were 19,672 ranking second after the Prius. For the non-hybrid Optima, 84,590 units were sold and that was not enough for the demand leading to an increased production of 60,000 units this year by the Georgia plant.
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