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Posted August, 2006

Road Test: 2006 Kia Optima

By Kevin S. Lowery

In 1998, Hyundai and Kia merged, sharing platforms, among others. The first product to emerge out of that venture was the 2001 Kia Optima mid-size sedan. It shares its underpinnings with the 1999-2005 Sonata. It has yet to promise the legendary reliability of the Hyundai, Kia has always been an appealing alternative to paying more than $20,000 for a four-cylinder Camry or Accord. For thousands less than others in its class, you can get an Optima fully equipped with V6 power.

It might never be a leader in its class, but it offers solid build quality, a comfortable ride and adequate acceleration. You won't find the finest-quality interior materials or cutting-edge safety features like stability control or head curtain airbags on the current Kia sedan, but that will change in 2007. The Optima is still a decent choice for bargain hunters.

For 2006 the Kia Optima sedan gains some fresh new styling cues and value-added touches that make it an even stronger contender in the competitive midsize sedan segment. Optima continues to stand out as a smart buy to discriminating consumers who want a vehicle filled with useful features and covered by one of the best warranty programs in America.

For the new model year the Optima sports an all-new front grille with an upscale, horizontal design featuring a Kia badge. Both V6 models this year come standard with a new alloy wheel design and larger, sixteen-inch Michelin tires. In addition, the Optima's SE trim level becomes the EX trim level, in keeping with the other Kia family vehicles. The front-wheel-drive Optima offers sophisticated technology, a customer-pleasing array of features and comes with a choice of two engines. The 2.7-liter DOHC V6 delivers 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, while the 2.4-liter DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine offers 138 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 161 lb-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm.

Both Optima engines can be equipped with the Sportmatic four-speed automatic transmission that allows the driver to select the desired gear manually as well as functioning like a traditional automatic transmission when shifted to "Drive." A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in the LX trim, while the Sportmatic automatic transmission is optional.

Underneath the Optima's elegant exterior is a unitized body platform with a 106.3-inch wheelbase. The generous wheelbase gives the car good straight-line tracking and supple ride quality. At 185.8 inches in overall length and 100 cubic feet of interior volume, the Optima offers a spacious interior yet is easy to maneuver.

Inside the Optima, comfort and style are the main focal points. The upscale EX model is equipped with a broad array of standard equipment including automatic climate control, auto-dimming rear view mirror with the Homelink system, Infinity speakers, a delayed off dome light, a separate key fob and remote. The EX's optional leather package includes a highly styled wood-leather steering wheel in addition to leather seat trim and a four-way power passenger seat.

The Optima's sophisticated all-independent suspension has been tuned to deliver responsive handling and superior ride comfort. The front suspension uses a double wishbone design with coil springs and tubular shocks, while the rear suspension is a multi-link design with coil springs and tubular shocks. Stabilizer bars are fitted both front and rear. Aiding handling is the power -assisted rack-and-pinion steering system.

While the EX is the Optima's top trim, buyers of the LX model won't feel they are driving a "base" model. The LX trim level offers a bevy of useful standard equipment, including front seat mounted side airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, variable intermittent windshield wipers, an AM/FM/CD audio system, and 15-inch wheelcovers. The EX adds new sixteen-inch alloy wheels and Michelin tires, heated exterior mirrors, fog lights, moonroof, keyless entry and alarm, a premium audio system with cassette and CD player, plus interior niceties like leather-wrapped steering wheel, eight-way power driver's seat and wood trim. Additional features include auto headlights and two key fobs and remotes. On the safety front, four-wheel disc brakes are standard, and the V6 models offer an optional four-sensor, four-channel antilock braking system. The front seat belts are height-adjustable and feature pretensioners with force limiters. The rear seats are equipped with upper and lower child restraint anchors, and the rear doors offer child safety door locks.

Like all Kia models, the Optima is covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in the package are a ten-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program. Fuel economy for the four-cylinder engine with manual transmission is 23 city/30 highway, and for the four cylinder with the Sportmatic transmission is 22 city/30 highway. The Optima with the V6 powertrain delivers 20 city/27 highway EPA fuel economy figures.

The 2006 Kia Optima will appeal to commuters who want comfortable transportation for the day-to-day grind. The ride is stable and smooth, though bumps and ruts are transmitted to the cabin a little more harshly than they should be. The steering, while light and somewhat flighty on the highway, is nonetheless linear and direct, and around-town maneuvers are accomplished with ease. R&D