Review: 2011 Kia Optima EX

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04-15-11, 11:58 AM

#16

spwolf

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bitkahuna

i agree the positioning/branding of kia/hyundai is very strange.

hyundai has the swoopy/daring sonata while kia has the more conservatively designed optima, but the optima doesn't (yet) have a turbo or hybrid version.

hyundai has the genesis sedan, coupe, and equus high end vehicles, but their suvs to me look frumpy and cheap, while the kia sorrento (model name even sounds like a hyundai name) sells like hot cakes and looks modern.

kia has the 'interesting' soul, which is well liked by its fans.

maybe kia is 'boxy' and hyundai is 'swoopy'.

definetly - i consider KIA sportier of the bunch, but then why dont they get high end engines?

Sportage gets 136hp diesel in Europe while ix35 gets 180hp one.

04-15-11, 07:22 PM

#17

BoDarville

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bitkahuna

'pedestrian buyers'?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmarshall

I think Mike is referring to those who don't want to spend a lot of money.

no, i'm pretty sure he's referring to those who either don't understand or could care less about the significance of this statement:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoovey2411

Review: 2011 Kia Optima EX

A six-speed manual transmission is available in the entry Optima LX trim and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine can also be had, but not together.

04-15-11, 08:54 PM

#18

mmarshall

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Quote:

Originally Posted by spwolf

no consistency at all:
a. no side protectors
b. stiff ride
c. no gas struts for hood.

I don't follow you. What did that have to do with my post? I was simply comparing my preference for the new Optima over the new Sonata in a couple of quick sentences....not writing up a formal review where I list all the plusses and minuses (as I see them).

Now that you mention it, though, one other thing I DO like about the new Optima is that the turbo engine can be ordered without the stiffer Sport suspension.....at least that's what the people at the D.C. Auto Show said. Few manufacturers, today, allow you to do that.

Last edited by mmarshall; 04-15-11 at 08:58 PM.