2011 Kia Optima Launched in the US

Following some good months of waiting, speculation and bits and pieces of information, South Korean manufacturer Kia announced today the release of the Optima on the US market. The sedan will be available in dealerships in the weeks to come and will be offered in three trims, LX, EX and SX, each packing an entire array of advanced technologies and three new engines.

Built on the unibody frame, the new Optima will be equipped with three engines, a 2.4l GDI four–cylinder (200 horsepower), a 2.0l GDI turbo or a 2.4l hybrid engine (to be introduced in 2011). The engines are paired with Sportmatic clutchless transmissions or a single six–speed manual transmission (available only with the LX four–cylinder model).

Safety wise, the Optima sedan comes equipped with six airbags, front active headrests, side–impact door beams, height–adjustable front seatbelts with pre–tensioners, three–point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). ABS, ESC, Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) are also standard.

The LX trim level comes equipped with dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, outside mirror turn signal indicators and 16–inch steel wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires.

The Optima EX comes equipped with UVO powered by Microsoft hands–free in–car entertainment and communication system, rear–view camera, push button–start ignition with smart key, dual–zone automatic air conditioning with rear vents, leather–wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto–dimming rear view mirror with Homelink and compass, auto light control, driver and front passenger automatic window up/down and an eight–way power driver's seat, illuminated glovebox, rear reading lamps, floor mats and chrome door handles.

To the extensive range of equipment and technologies mentioned above, the SX adds black leather woven seat trim, black interior trim with carbon insert film, Supervision meter cluster with LCD display, center fascia and meter housing, soft trim with French seams, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals and lighted metal door scuff plates.

The South Korean manufacturer offers with the new Optima several optional packages, including the Convenience Package (eight–way power–adjustable driver's seat and auto–dimming rear view mirror with Homelink) and the LX Technology Package (navigation system with back–up camera, an eight–speaker Infinity premium audio system and dual–zone automatic temperature control with rear ventilation).

Prices for the Optima have not yet been announced, but it is expected Kia will do so in the following days.