If you are looking for a stylish and luxurious "four-door coupe" for a non-luxury price, take a look at the new 2011 Kia Optima. Available in LX, EX, and sporty SX trim levels, the 2011 Optima is two inches longer and two inches wider than its predecessor, putting its dimensions at 190.7 inches long by 72.1 inches wide, yet it also rides lower. Exterior features on the front include an aggressive lower fascia, scowling headlights, Kia's distinctive "tabbed" grille, and an understated indentation at the top of the windshield glass that mimics that of the grille, while the rear's exterior design is highlighted by narrow taillamps and dual exhausts with chrome tips, features that come standard for all trims. Move inside and the driver is treated to a center stack angled ten degrees forward, vents integrated around the gauge binnacle, class-appropriate materials, top-notch ergonomics, and excellent fit-and-finish. The 2011 Optima comes powered by either a 200-horsepower 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder or a 274-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged DI engine; you can also get the Optima in a hybrid version that pairs a 40 horsepower electric motor to a 200 horsepower engine. This vehicle can achieve 24 city/35 highway, and test drives have found the Optima's handling superior to the Hyundai Sonata's, the latter of which asserts it is the best-handling car in its class.
The 2011 Optima's base LX trim comes with a crop of features, including 16-inch wheels, door mirrors with integrated turn signals; a sound system with SIRIUS satellite radio and USB, auxiliary, and Bluetooth connectivity; a tilting and telescoping steering wheel; power locks and windows; folding 60/40 rear seat; and cruise control on all automatic models. The EX includes all of the LX's gear and adds push-button ignition, a rearview camera, 17-inch wheels, fog lights, body-color door handles, more chrome details, heated outside mirrors, dual-zone climate control, and Kia's new Microsoft-developed Uvo vehicle-interface system. Of particular note is the 2011 Kia Optima's SX trim level. Carbon fiber trim, 18-inch wheels, a unique gauge package, sporty seat patterns, a cooled glovebox, metal floor pedals, and one-touch triple-flash turn signals all come standard on this trim. A sport mode with paddle shifters and a manual gate allow for a sportier driving experience. The dashboard even comes kitted out with premium-look French-stitched leatherette. Available options on the SX include a panoramic roof, six-speed manual transmission (a potential rarity since most models come with a six-speed automatic), heated steering wheel, heated/cooled front seats, and rear heated seats.
All this luxury, style, and advanced technology make the 2011 Optima one of the best "four-door coupes" on the market today. If you are interested in purchasing or leasing an Optima, or just in learning more information about it, stop by our dealership. We will help you get behind the wheel of one of the most practical, sporty, and eco-friendly sedans on the market: the 2011 Kia Optima. | |
