Korean manufacturer Kia took the wraps off of a stylish new Optima sedan at the New York Auto Show.
The Kia Optima shares its platform with the recently introduced Sonata sedan manufactured by its corporate affiliate, Hyundai, and will be offered with same three engine choices.
Riding ona wheelbase three inches longer than the current Optima, the 2011 model has a sleek, coupe-like profile.
When the Optima goes on sale this fall, it will be available with a 2.4-liter, 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a 2-liter turbocharged, direct-injection, 274-horsepower four-cylinder powerplant. Early next year, Kia will offer a hybrid model that combines the 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor.
Optimas with the standard 2.4-liter engine are expected to return 24 mpg around town and 35 mpg on the open road. Transmission choices will be a six-speed manual on the entry-level LX model and a six-speed automatic on all models.
The more upscale EX and SX models will be available with a variety of luxury and electronic upgrades that include leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and an in-car communications and entertainment system with rear-view camera.
Source
