Aug. 11, 2006
ON THE ROAD: Kia Optimizes Optima, a Worthy Accord, Camry Alternative at
Lower Price
By Richard Williamson
Scripps Howard News Service
Kia's most impressive entry in the competition against Japanese paragons
Honda and Toyota may be the mid-size Optima, a sedan that matches up nicely
with the Accord and Camry while offering a lower base price and better
warranty.
A South Korean brand that has never suffered the early quality complaints of
its parent Hyundai, Kia is one of the most remarkable success stories in
recent automotive history. Just 12 years after entering the U.S. market with
a modest Sephia compact and a state-by-state expansion strategy, the
carmaker boasts a complete fleet and continuing record sales.
The affiliation with Hyundai, the result of a 1998 merger, is not something
Kia is trying to hide after the parental brand recently scored top marks in
quality ratings from J.D. Power. The Optima shares a platform with Hyundai's
Sonata.
Introduced in 2001, the Optima received a mid-model-year update in 2006 to
improve its competitive posture with the Camry and Accord. Other competitors
include the Chevrolet Malibu and the Mitsubishi Galant. While the Galant can
match Kia's five-year warranty, the base price is about $2,000 higher. The
Malibu can beat Optima's price but not its warranty.
Kia's makeover artists gave the Optima a longer wheelbase, a wider track,
increased horsepower, better fuel economy and better driving dynamics that
also translate into greater passenger comfort.
The maker's latest bragging rights come from results of the Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety test results that showed the Optima
outperforming Camry in rear-end collisions. The Optima also received top
marks in front-end collisions, as did the best-selling Camry.
Safety is enhanced by six standard airbags, including full-length
side-curtain airbags. For a historical footnote, consider that the ancestral
Sephia arrived without an air bag as that feature was becoming standard in
rival models. To keep prices irresistible in those days, Kia stuck to basics
while providing top attractants in the interior and exterior.
While the Optima's styling is still somewhat tame, the sedan's comfort and
performance are terrific. Even with the base 4-cylinder engine, takeoffs are
brisk, and the 161-horsepower engine provides plenty of passing power.
With a long, 107.1-inch wheelbase, the Optima offers surprisingly abundant
passenger space. A supersized friend of mine who often complains about head
and leg room, even in some sport utilities, had room to spare in the front
seat.
Optima's 104.2 cubic feet of interior space surpasses the capacity of the
2006 Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford
Fusion and Mazda6. At 14.8 cubic feet, the trunk volume represents a nearly
10 percent increase over the previous generation.
Sold in LX and EX versions, the Optima can be equipped with the base
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine or the 2.7-liter V6. The V6 gets a boost of 10
percent to 185 horsepower in the new model. Even with a 15 percent boost in
horsepower, the base 4-cylinder engine gets excellent fuel economy of 24
miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
While a five-speed stick is standard on the LX, the most popular
transmission is the Sportmatic that can operate as an automatic or
clutchless stick. Standard chassis components include four-wheel disc brakes
with antilock, Electronic Stability Control , Traction Control and Brake
Assist.
Both trim levels include air conditioning, power windows and door locks,
heated outside mirrors, six-way adjustable driver's seat, AM/FM/CD audio
system with six speakers, 60-40 split folding rear seats, four-wheel disc
brakes and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
The LX 4-cylinder model with automatic transmission comes equipped with
cruise control, keyless entry and alarm, manual tilt and telescopic steering
column, audio system controls on the steering wheel and floor mats. The LX
V6 model includes dual exhaust outlets and alloy wheels.
All EX models have alloy wheels, fog lights, solar glass, eight-way power
adjustable driver's seat, automatic temperature control, auto-dimming rear
view mirror with Homelink, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer,
metal door scuff plates, chrome accent outside door handles and an Infinity
AM/FM/Cassette/6-disc CD/MP3 premium audio system, while the EX V6 adds dual
exhaust outlets.
The LX review car, base priced at $17,650 included a $1,000 appearance
package that added 17-inch alloy wheels, Michelin tires, blacked-out
headlights and front grille, fog lights, trip computer, auto light control,
leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, aluminum interior trim and
silver accent interior door handles.
WHAT'S NEW: Updated for 2006 with larger dimensions, more power, improved
safety features.
PLUSES: Performance, comfort, fuel economy, price.
MINUSES: Tame styling, brand recognition.
BOTTOM LINE: Outstanding rival to best-selling Camry.
Richard Williamson writes about automobiles for Scripps Howard News Service.
