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Kia is setting its sights on entering the midsize sedan market as a contender with its redesigned 2011 Optima. With that in mind, prior to the Optima’s upcoming launch, Kia has set up an online preview configurator to gauge interest.
Kia is allowing buyers to spec out the Optima of their dreams in LX, SX, or EX trim. Based on the website’s estimates, the least expensive Optima will ring in at $18,495. For that money, you get the Optima’s snappy new design, the 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine also found in the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, and a six-speed manual gearbox. That estimate is slightly higher than the 2010 Optima’s base price, but from our first impressions, the 2011 offers more bang for the buck.
Buyers interested in the sportiest Optimas can step up to the SX models, which use the forthcoming Sonata 2.0T’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 274 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Is the forthcoming Optima enough to pique your interest over the currently available Sonata?
Today’s Snap Judgment:
Are you interested in the 2011 Kia Optima?
Let us know what you think in the comments section.
I’ve been following this car for well over 6 months now, cant wait to get some reviews on it. So yes I’m absolutely interested. If all goes well I’ll be picking up a loaded SX in red.
Kia has come a long way. I think they are moving in the right direction. Im really looking forward ti seeing where thier Forte goes in the coming years. That car is going to be a fierce contender. Keep it up Kia.
Absolutely. Kia has improved upon Hyundai’s styling failures. While Hyundai’s product line looks like a collection of completely unrelated vehicles, Kia has hired smart designers to create a cohesive family look for their vehicles. Sonata’s weird swoopy/droopy front end is it’s biggest design failure. Kia has put a successful face on this vehicle.
Kia has been busy the last few years -rolling out the Soul, Forte, Sportage and now the Optima (sounds like Altima-intentional Kia?) The side angle of the car looks great and sharing the Sonota’s engines with Kia known for being sportieronly helps the line. My only problem with the car is it deserves a new name andmost importantly a new front grille- I think that is the main flaw on a sharp car.Hopefully there are other wheel options as well. I am going to be in the market next spring-I really like the overall design of the Sportage , the Soul is fun-but needs a bigger engine and a 6 speed auto. Ditch the Optima name-it only brings back memories of the dull, lifeless cars-that Optimas and Kias were.
If I was in the market for a mid-size sedan, I’d certainly consider it. Hopefully though there is a way to opt for different wheels though…
Ever since Kia employed their current design director (I forgot where he came from…Audi?) their products have been absolutely stunning in appearance, especially when you consider their place in the market. I would absolutely consider one of these. I wish the big three could churn out desirable, affordable cars at the same pace.
That is the best mid-size available, if I hade the $30k for the optioned SX, i’d get it in a heartbeat.