If you want to be coddled in high-end luxury technology and look good doing it, but shudder at the thought of spending $40,000, let me introduce the Kia Optima SX Limited.
This mid-sized sedan comes equipped with all the bells and whistles you would expect from a luxury sedan, at a fraction of the cost.
Exterior styling is top-notch with high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, LED daytime running lights just above the fog lights and 18-inch chrome wheels. Around back you’ll find more LED lights and dual exhaust pipes. The Limited package also added a glass panoramic sunroof that allows a good amount of light into the cabin; the front section can be tilted or opened.
Moving inside is where you’ll find push-button start with Smart Key, soft leather seats with heat and cooling features, and an instrument panel contoured toward the driver to create a cockpit-like feel. Everything is laid out in a user-friendly and attractive design that makes driving this sedan a pleasure — as well as riding in it.
Add an Infinity audio system to the mix and the Optima is a nice place to be during your commute. Another nice feature is the rear seat legroom. A few of my family members that are in the 6-foot-plus club could sit back there with no troubles.
When you press the accelerator in this Kia, you’ll be pleasantly surprised, thanks to a 274 hp 2.0L turbo GDI engine. Kia says this engine delivers V6-type power with a four-cylinder’s efficiency. I can agree with the power produced, but I’m not so sure about the fuel economy — more on that later. All of this power is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
If the looks of this sedan haven’t won you over already, the on-road dynamics will. This sedan is a blast to drive and I was impressed by the ride comfort while driving on 18-inch wheels. The suspension system absorbs the majority of the road imperfections, but also provides enough feedback to the driver. The acceleration is very satisfying, and when a tight turn comes up, the wide stance of Optima gobbles it up with no drama.
Steering is hydraulic and power assisted, which is OK for the majority of situations, and is a breeze to park around town, but I noticed the steering loses feel while driving at highway speeds.
Another quibble I found dealt with the transmission and maintaining smooth shifting. In normal mode the shifts seem to take longer (higher in the RPMs) making them very harsh and jumpy. The only way I was able to lessen this irritation was to turn on “ECO” mode. Normally ECO mode adjusts the engine/transmission and takes away power so you gain fuel economy.
In the Optima, ECO mode made the shifts quicker, but never felt like I lost any power — the car seemed to run smoother and quieter. If I needed more power all I needed to do was press the gas pedal and it shifted to the correct gear for a quick burst.
Driving the Optima on several different types of roads in Beaver, on the open highway near Cranberry Township and then into Pittsburgh proved the Optima a very capable and comfortable sedan. No matter if the road was brick, concrete or asphalt, this sedan kept the interior quiet and didn’t lose composure. The cruise control was also excellent and provided me an average of 23 mpg to and from Detroit.
Driving in “normal” mode, without ECO mode engaged, I managed 18 mpg combined city/highway. Driving in exclusively ECO mode, I managed 22 mpg combined. So, if you are able to adjust your driving habits accordingly and leave the car in ECO most of the time, you could manage some pretty good fuel economy.
The sticker price for the SX model is $26,800, but with the Limited and technology packages, my tester had brought the bottom line to $30,150. With all of the options, comfort, technology and style this Optima offers, the $30,000 price tag seems reasonable. Add the good warranty from Kia, and you should take a hard look at the Optima if you are in the market for a mid-sized sedan.
Source: TheTimes
