![]() ![]() The steering wheel has a moderate amount of heft to it, but it doesn’t provide much feedback. All in all, the Optima is more willing to be driven quickly than a Hyundai Sonata.ĭriving the Optima quickly through sweeping turns is entertaining, and the car manages to resist body roll quite well. The suspension treads the middle ground between overt softness and punishing firmness, resulting in a setup that’s definitely taut, yet able to smooth out bumps and depressions in the road. The Optima has a four-wheel independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars. Standard steel wheels measure 16 inches in diameter, but 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels are optional. Uplevel EX models get chrome door handles, and V-6 models have dual exhaust outlets finished in chrome. A close inspection reveals tight gap tolerances between body panels, and closing the doors produces a solid-sounding thud - very luxury car-like. Pains have been taken to ensure the Optima’s exterior conveys quality. (If they did, Toyota’s Camry wouldn’t be the segment’s best-seller year after year.) In any case, looks don’t typically make or break a midsize sedan. ![]() It is well-proportioned, however, and its conservative design doesn’t offend. The new Optima isn’t likely to draw a crowd with its appearance to my eyes, it looks like a scaled-down Buick Lucerne. The Optima’s refined ride, strong engines and attractive interior make it an unexpectedly strong entry in the midsize-sedan segment and an enjoyable car to drive. In the case of the brand’s redesigned 2006.5 Optima, however, it manages to ring true. Kia’s slogan, “The Power to Surprise,” is one of many ambiguous catchphrases that automakers are using these days. ![]()
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