Designed at Kia’s studios in Frankfurt and Irvine, California, the new midsize sedan reveals a completely new design line which is highlighted by a dynamic and streamlined profile. The new car will be available in three trim levels: LX, EX and SX. The LX trim level includes dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, outside mirror turn signal indicators and 16-inch steel wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires while the EX offers standard fog lights, heated outside mirrors, exterior chrome/body-color door handles along with 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/55/R17 tires.
The SX comes with HID headlights with auto leveling, LED rear combination lights, unique front grille design, rear lip spoiler, sculpted side sills, aero wiper blades, red brake calipers and 18-inch black machined finish alloy wheels furnished with P225/45R18 tires.
Inside, we find paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, a high console with a short shifter, six-way adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, illuminated vanity mirrors, AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks, tilt/telescopic steering column, power door locks, power windows, sun visor extension and an air-conditioned glove box.
The Optima equipped with the LX trim level comes with an automatic transmission offers cruise control and an active EcoMinder indicator for optimal fuel efficient driving while the EX offers premium standard features, including the UVO powered by Microsoft infotainment system with rear-view camera, push button-start ignition with smart key, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with rear vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink and compass, auto light control, driver and front passenger automatic window up/down and eight-way power driver’s seat, lighted glovebox, rear reading lamps, floor mats and chrome door handles.
The SX adds unique black leather woven seat trim, black interior trim with carbon insert film and metal accent, Supervision meter cluster with LCD display, center fascia and meter housing, soft trim with French seams, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals and lighted metal door scuff plates.
Kia offers upgrades for the EX and SX trims such as power panoramic sunroof, leather seat trim, memory driver’s seat, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel for additional interior refinement.
Under the hood we find three all-new and fuel-efficient Theta II powerplants: a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine or a 2.4-liter hybrid. The 2.4-liter GDI engine delivers 200 hp while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine (SX model) delivers an impressive 274 hp. The 2.4-liter hybrid engine will be introduced in 2011.
