Just a few months ago Kia unveiled the all-new 2012 Optima, at the New York International Auto Show. Canadian auto journalists were invited to be the first in the world to drive it at Hyundai-Kia Motor's R&D Center, in Namyang, about an hour-and-a-half outside of Seoul. Kia describes its current-gen mid-sized sedan as "vanilla" a car that didn't live up to perpetual sales slayers like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
The Optima is one of the first Kias to be fashioned with the new signature grille, a look sure to grab the attention of
NH Kia enthusiasts. Hyundai's comparative design with other carmakers - Kia's parent company's admitted design inspiration for its Veracruz crossover comes from the best-selling Lexus RX - is now trickling down to Kia. From the rear-side profile there are clear Lexus lines, like the sweeping chrome strip that runs above the side windows, and an intake vent near the front wheel is a clear inspiration from BMW. Kia describes the new look as "athletic" and "muscular" and, in person, it lives up to those who favor the looks of a sporty family car.
The 2012 Optima will be available at your
New Hampshire Kia dealership, Berlin City Kia, by late September to early October. The new Optima will be available in two different models, the LX and EX. Find out more technical information on this amazing new vehicle below.
The 2012 Kia Optima is a midsize sedan and is available in two models, LX and EX. Both models are available with either a four cylinder or a six cylinder engine. Both are powered by a 2.4 Liter engine that is rated at 162 horsepower. The entry level LX model is equipped with a five speed manual transmission. The EX model derives its power from a 2.7 Liter V6 engine which is rated at 185 horsepower mated to a five speed automatic transmission. The Optima achieves a speed of 60 miles per hour in 9.2 seconds. The fuel economy ratings of the Optima equipped with the 2.4 Liter engine are 24 miles per gallon on city streets and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. The fuel economy ratings of the Optima equipped with the V6 engine are 22 miles per gallon on city streets and 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
The 2012 Optima LX model is equipped with 16 inch tires, heated mirrors, the driver's seat can be adjusted according to the height of the driver, air conditioning, a music system equipped with a CD player and six speakers. Optional equipment on the 2012 Optima LX model, are floor mats, keyless entry, cruise control and a steering wheel that has a telescoping facility and music system controls. LX also gets a convenience equipment package, which adds, a powered passenger seat, heated front seats, adjustable pedals and a rear window sunshade. The 2012 Optima EX model is equipped with chrome door handles, temperatures inside the vehicle are controlled automatically, an expensive music system that is equipped with a CD player located in the dashboard and speakers manufactured by Infinity, a steering wheel wrapped in leather and fog lights.
The 2012 Kia Optima equipped anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, curtain airbags that run the entire length of the vehicle and airbags on the side for those seated in the front. There's plenty of room for passengers in both the front and back seats to stretch their legs. The vehicle has a storage capacity of 14.8 cubic feet.
Stay in touch with Berlin City Kia, your
Plattsburgh Kia dealer to find out exactly when this elegant new Kia will hit the ground.