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:

Wiper blades
Wiper blade maintenance Commercial hot waxes applied by automatic car washes have been known to make the windshield difficult to clean. Contamination of either the windshield or the wiper blades ...

Engine compartment
1. Engine Coolant Reservoir ................7-15 2. Engine Oil Filler Cap ........................7-14 3. Brake Fluid Reservoir.......................7-18 4. Air Cleaner ......................... ...

Restyled with Kia's evolving DNA for a stronger presence
The 'new look' Kia cee'd has been thoroughly restyled in order to keep the brand's best-selling model in Europe 'fresh' and maintain its strong appeal to consumers. Working under the direction o ...