2011 Kia Optima SX Review

2011 Kia Optima SX

By Harry Pegg, Toronto Sun

Glass is all full with Optima

"The 2011 Kia Optima SX is quite possibly my surprise vehicle for the year"

I can't find anything I don't like about it unless I trot out a personal observation - I don't love the wheels. But after spending some time with the car, even they are growing on me.

Optima draws a lot of attention, especially in the test car's top-of-the-line SX trim. Long, low and the kind of sensuous shape that makes you want to run your hand over it. The unique 18-inch sport wheels are the only design element that takes away from the overall impression of beauty.

There must be something missing inside.

Nope. This car has everything I want in a car - and more. Things like power everything, up-level sound system, navigation, a no-hassle Bluetooth phone set-up, heated cloth/leather seats (all around), heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, dual zone climate control, tilt/telescoping steering wheel and rear-view camera.

Well, there's only a 2.0-litre four-banger under the hood, so performance must be slack.

No way!

Twin-scroll turbo charging and direct injection coax 274 horsepower out of the little monster. Coupled with a quick six-speed automatic with sport shift and when you step on the gas, it feels like a big six under the bonnet. Whenever the spirit (or necessity) moves you, just hammer the throttle and your velocity increases right NOW. Impressive. And it runs on regular gas!

So it goes fast; but what about handling? Surely a sedan like this can't be agile.

Yes it can. And it is. And don't call me Shirley.

I have to admit I'm surprised. Steering has electric power assist, but it still lets me feel connected to the road, and it responds quickly when I order up a change in direction.

SX gets beefed up sports suspension which keeps the Optima on an even keel under hard cornering with only slight body lean.

Should I get a little over-enthusiastic, there's an alphabet soup of three-letter electronic safety and assist systems - ABS, EBD, BAS, ESC, VSM, HAC - to keep me on the straight and narrow.

The heated leather seats are comfortable and supportive and finding a comfortable driving position is easy.

The tilt/telescoping steering wheel puts a wide range of controls at my fingertips: audio, cruise, phone interface, trip computer, paddle shifters and "active ECO" economy control. Everything that isn't on the steering wheel is easy to reach.

When it comes to taking stuff with you, the trunk is cavernous and the 60/40 split rear seatback folds down to provide even more cargo area.

On the highway, Optima slips through the air with little wind or road noise finding its way into the cabin. The ride is smooth as befits a car that has aspirations of luxury.

In my week-long experience with Optima, I find I'm driving as often as possible whether it's a couple of blocks or a highway jaunt. I love driving this car; it's quick, surprisingly agile and quiet. My wife loves driving it. Friends like riding in it.

Even my grandchildren like it especially because they can see where we're going and have a clear upward view through the panoramic sunroof. I guess from their point of view the only thing missing in the Optima is a rear seat entertainment system.

And all this for under $35,000? Nice car indeed.

I don't care what the price tag is, this Optima is a luxury ride.

Read Article: http://torontosun.autonet.ca/autos/search/testdrives/2011/09/02/18635376-autonet.html

2011 Kia Optima SX

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