Kia: K5/Optima News
#203
אני עומד עם ישראל
Good for Kia. Looks like it will end up on the short list of a few buyers before they make their decision. Nice looking car.
#207
My first Avatar....
#212
you are very tolerant then
#213
אני עומד עם ישראל
It's a sharp looking car.
#214
My first Avatar....
While the size and shape of the Optima is way more appealing than the Sonata, the interior of the Sonata looks way better to me. Why can't we get a complete package in some car?
#215
Safety Car
i'm in korea right now. i see this car left and right.. i'd say about 1 to 1 ratio against sonata?
but this car looks more sportier than sonata, and while there are some busyness that bothers me (like front LED+fogs combination and the wheel too), this car looks sharp and good enough to compete very well in its class (ie sonata/accord/altima/camry)
but this car looks more sportier than sonata, and while there are some busyness that bothers me (like front LED+fogs combination and the wheel too), this car looks sharp and good enough to compete very well in its class (ie sonata/accord/altima/camry)
#216
I'm the Firestarter
#221
oh I see it now. But Schreyer joined in 2006 and Audi came out with that headlight design in 2008 so it is more likely that Hyundai just copied them.
#225
Senior Moderator
#226
Senior Moderator
Honda who!??
#228
Punk Rocker
#232
I feel the need...
#233
I shoot people
I have NOT seen one of these on the road until today (but then again, I've been away in Canada since August)... so, I saw one today parked in a garage (Brea Mall), and MY GOD! What a beauty!!! I pointed it out to my sister and she's was very impressed that it was a Kia! They say Kia hired some ex-Audi designers and you can really see the influence on the Optima
The interior was simply gorgeous with the stitching on the seats. I wanted to take pics of the interior, but there were a lot of people walking by (Holiday shoppers) looking at me, so I snapped a couple pics and left
The interior was simply gorgeous with the stitching on the seats. I wanted to take pics of the interior, but there were a lot of people walking by (Holiday shoppers) looking at me, so I snapped a couple pics and left
Last edited by is300eater; 12-12-2010 at 02:55 AM.
#235
Dragging knees in
iTrader: (2)
I'm not sure. but last time i checked the chief designer for Hyundai was Joel Piaskowski then later replaced by Phil Zak in 09. i don't know when was sonata design started and finished. and i have know idea who penned each models though. but most of recent hyundais are designed in Cali.
The Fluidic Sculpture was created in the California design studio.
#236
My first Avatar....
#237
SX review from Automobile Mag.
http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews..._sx/index.html
Seems like Kia did the SX trim of the Optima right.
Owners may enjoy having these widgets present in the car, but they'll likely be more surprised by how good the Optima SX is to drive. Power comes on strong with no hint of turbo lag, and the transmission quickly finds the proper gear for rapid acceleration when you goose the throttle. In comparison to some of its V-6-powered competitors, the Optima's turbo-four feels slightly harsh, but that's the price paid for less weight and better fuel economy. Still, it's able to keep pace with six-cylinder cars in terms of acceleration. The Optima SX is downright quick, and we were floated an unofficial 0-60 mph time of roughly 6.5 seconds.
You'd expect a chassis in this segment to protest the least bit of spirited driving, but that isn't the case. The Optima is quite composed, even when its suspension is unloaded in a tight corner. Ride quality is typical of the new Kia -- tuned for a more sporting feel and borderline stiff -- but aside from harsh impacts on nasty potholes, the car is quite comfortable. On-center feel is commendable and the electric power steering is tuned for just the right amount of feedback. Understeer only pops up at the limit of adhesion, but it appears in a predictable manner that inspires confidence.
Perhaps most telling is our mindset after driving the Optima SX for an entire day. This is a 3,385-pound, four-door, five-passenger family sedan that stickers at $25,950, not a compact hot hatch designed to witness endless autocross abuse. Even so, it's as much fun to toss about as a smaller offering, and it's easy to forget just what Kia's true intentions are. We often found ourselves mulling quicker gearchanges or slightly more aggressive exhaust notes and suspension tuning, but this is by far one of the most engaging midsize sedans presently on the market.
You'd expect a chassis in this segment to protest the least bit of spirited driving, but that isn't the case. The Optima is quite composed, even when its suspension is unloaded in a tight corner. Ride quality is typical of the new Kia -- tuned for a more sporting feel and borderline stiff -- but aside from harsh impacts on nasty potholes, the car is quite comfortable. On-center feel is commendable and the electric power steering is tuned for just the right amount of feedback. Understeer only pops up at the limit of adhesion, but it appears in a predictable manner that inspires confidence.
Perhaps most telling is our mindset after driving the Optima SX for an entire day. This is a 3,385-pound, four-door, five-passenger family sedan that stickers at $25,950, not a compact hot hatch designed to witness endless autocross abuse. Even so, it's as much fun to toss about as a smaller offering, and it's easy to forget just what Kia's true intentions are. We often found ourselves mulling quicker gearchanges or slightly more aggressive exhaust notes and suspension tuning, but this is by far one of the most engaging midsize sedans presently on the market.
http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews..._sx/index.html
Seems like Kia did the SX trim of the Optima right.
#239
My eyes were drawn to the mishmash at the roof/rear window/rear door (trailing edge) pillar. WTF? For some reason the rear side window reminds me of an old 944
#240
hail to the victors
I'm seriously contemplating buying an optima turbo around summer. seriously, it's such a great value and looks awesome to me. it will look pretty next to my gen coupe track v6.
i would buy one in black. such a sharp looking car.
5 honda/acuras in a row and now i'm all into korean cars. never thought i would choose hyundai over honda. lol
i would buy one in black. such a sharp looking car.
5 honda/acuras in a row and now i'm all into korean cars. never thought i would choose hyundai over honda. lol