Near Optimal
The 2011 Kia Optima EX is one element away
By Eric Tegler
Kia’s new Optima has the ingredients of a highly competitive mid-size sedan; handsome looks, an appealing interior with enough volume, and commendable fuel efficiency and handling. For the price, it’s a pretty slick package. But it’s missing an important element – engine refinement.
That’s too bad because the rest of the Optima is quite good. Available in three trim levels (LX, EX, and SX), prices start at around $19,000 and close on $30,000 with all the options checked. To these eyes the Optima’s exterior design surpasses that of the much ballyhooed Hyundai Sonata with which it shares a platform, powertrain and other components. The Optima has an aggressive grille “face” and a pleasing, coupe-like roof line. Even on the 17 inch wheels standard on the mid-level EX, the car has the right stance.
The interior is well done with soft-touch surfaces and seat stitching enough to feel stylish. The front seats are supportive and a center console canted toward the driver is an appreciated design touch which has fallen out of vogue of late. The Optima’s control layout is fairly straightforward if a little button-happy (there are 22 on center console alone). Navigation, Bluetooth, and Infiniti audio are on offer, tied together by a seven inch touch screen. One annoying trait is the necessity to hit the “enter” button on the console upon tuning to a different channel using the tuning button. Fail to do so and the tuner reverts to the previous channel. It’s an unwelcome distraction when driving.
A side effect of the attractive roofline is that the taller among us need to watch their heads when ingressing/egressing the back seats. Likewise, rear seat headroom is tight for anyone near six feet. The Optima’s optional panoramic sunroof likely exacerbates the problem. Rear seat leg room is better and the fact that both rear seats fold to reveal a large pass-through to the trunk is particularly appreciated by this avid snowboarder.
The experience behind the wheel of the Optima is largely positive. The car feels competent with a solid chassis and buttoned-down handling. There’s not much steering feel but the steering weights up nicely and the Optima turns-in and tracks through corners with confidence. The stock “Nexen” Korean tires actually provide better grip than expected. Only the brakes feel a little soft.
There’s nothing wrong with the power output (200 hp, 186 lb-ft.) of the Optima’s direct-injected 2.4 liter four cylinder or its fuel efficiency (24 city/34 highway). One of two engine choices (a 274 hp turbocharged 2.0 liter is also available), the 2.4 propels the Optima to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds according to Kia. It’s matched by a well-executed six-speed automatic transmission with an effective manual mode. It all fits well until you hit the start button.
The Optima EX fires up with a metallic buzz. It’s not the polite, junior-executive sound you might expect from its looks. Grasp the steering wheel and you can feel the 2.4 liter vibrating. The sensation is decidedly 1990s-esque before manufacturers became so good at smoothing inline four cylinder vibration with balance-shafts. Get on the power (and up in revs) at speed and there’s that buzziness again.
It’s a shame because in most other respects, the Optima EX is a polished performer. The car we tested stickered for $27,440 but if you forgo the EX Premium package as I would, the tab is just over $25,000. In the current market and given Kia’s rising reputation for quality, that’s a good value. If Kia can (literally) smooth things a little by refining the 2.4 liter, its Optima will be optimal.
The Specs
Price as tested: $27,440 Engine: 200 hp, 2.4 liter direct-injected four cylinder
Curb weight: 3223 pounds Fuel Economy: 24 city/34 highway
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