triman54

Kia's new Optima Turbo looks like a very credible first effort.

I wish that Kia would equip it with a manual and a sports suspension. It could be a competitior to the GLI.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/20/2011-ki...-test/#comments

deepbluejh

I'm sure the car is great mechanically, but I can't get over the way it looks. Specifically, I think those wheels are embarrassingly awful.

That said, most reports put this above the Sonata.

JonBoy

I agree on the wheels. However, I think the car looks better (overall) than the Sonata. That side wedge on the Sonata is getting old FAST.

This Kia has some Lexus IS, some Saab and some Audi in it, from the looks of it. It looks pretty decent and, with some good wheels, will probably be a head turner (especially in a darker color).

Front end reminds me of a Subaru STi, for some reason.

Interior looks different. The reviewers didn't seem to like it but I'll wait for a personal inspection.

HID headlights are a big plus (wish Honda would do this!) and of course, that motor should be fun to drive as well. They also upsized the brakes (thank you! someone finally gets it!) on the sportier model to provide better fade resistance.

Price is still pretty high, though (nearly $31K, loaded). I'm expecting them to discount that fairly quickly.

Funny thing is, with that kind of power, purportedly good fuel mileage, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a long warranty, this would be a great new family car for those in northern climates.

mxt_77

That has always been my problem with Kia (and maybe Hyundai to a lesser extent). I always see Kias and say, "That looks like a <insert_car_here>." But I never see some other car and say, "Hey, that looks like a Kia." Kia needs to come up with some original design cues instead of just copying forms from other mfrs.

dat boi

I think it looks pretty original, and as far as its competitors go, it's one of the best looking imo exterior wise.

S2KN05

I have to agree. It's not the bland cheap look as before.

Presto123

Looks better than the catfish. The wheels have to go though..

nearwater4me

Exactly what I thought when I was looking at the front view pic.

Dan

nearwater4me

Looks like a decent DD to me.
Interior quality is good enough for a midsize sedan.
Now all I wish for is a manual transmission + AWD.

I agree with the rest.. that wheels gotta go.

Dan

ProV1

looks 10000x better than any boring $hitmobiles coming out of japan in recently history! would be an awesome DD for sure. very nice