First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima
Rivalries are a fact of life. When they are in the family, they can be troublesome. On the other hand, they can help to raise the level of game for both family members.
That’s the case Kia finds itself in with the 2011 Kia Optima.
First seen at the New York International Auto Show back in April, the Optima looked a stunning, almost Teutonic counterpart to the stylized and swoopy Hyundai Sonata. This wouldn’t much matter if the two cars came from separate automakers, but the Optima and Sonata are direct rivals offered by the same parent company.
At that point, the gauntlet was thrown, and all bets were off. It looks like Kia is not content to just play second fiddle anymore.
See also:
Kia Magentis sedan range
A reputation for cheapness, low resale values, and doubts about durability
are all obstacles that the Korean brand must overcome if the now-factory-owned
importer is going to grow in Australia.
...
Rearview camera
The rearview camera will activate when
the back-up light is ON with the ignition
switch ON and the shift lever in the R
(Reverse) position.
This system is a supplemental system
that shows beh ...
Door locks
Operating door locks from
outside the vehicle
• Turn the key toward rear of vehicle
to unlock and toward front of vehicle
to lock.
• Turn the key toward front of vehicle
to lock all doors. ...


