2016 Kia Optima

Super Bowl Proud!

By Charles Donaldson

There were a lot of quality players showing what they were made of on the field at this year’s Super Bowl and just as many in the TV commercials that aired in between the passes and catches. Not to be out done by the competition, Kia paid the big bucks to showcase its new 2016 Optima sedan.

We were sitting at my parents’ house wondering if the Panthers had it in them to make a comeback when the Optima commercial flashed on the screen. I pointed out that was the vehicle I was test driving when my 7-year-old son confirmed my comment; however, added that it was a different color. He is as observant as Payton was looking for an open wide receiver.

The 2016 Kia Optima has become a serious contender in the mid-size sedan market. Once dominated by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, Kia has found success in the Optima which is now becoming the benchmark for style and value. It is truly one of the better looking sedans on the market and packed with upgraded features found on more expensive vehicles.  

For 2016, Kia has redesigned the Optima in a way that refines the model. From the outside you might not notice some of the exterior, subtle changes. The 2016 Optima is somewhat longer, taller and wider than the 2015 version, which in turn manifests a more comfortable and roomier cabin with surprisingly, larger trunk space. The front and rear styling is softened and better detailed, displaying the maturity of its design.

Kia incorporates key experiences of the Optima’s up scaled siblings and delivers a more spacious interior, a quieter engine, reduced road noise, enhanced ride quality and refined interior trim features.

The 2016 Kia Optima is available in five trim levels: LX, LX Turbo, EX, SX Turbo, and SXL. There are three engine options which include a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (24 mpg city/35 hwy), 2.0-liter turbocharged (22 mpg city/32 hwy), and the new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (28 mpg city/39 hwy). The 2.4 GDI engine produces 185 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The 2.0-liter turbo generates 247 horses also at 6,000 rpm. The 1.6-lier turbo available on the LX trim delivers 178 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that operates like an automatic. The Hybrid version will be reintroduced in 2017.

Besides liberating the mid-size category with its beautiful coup-like curves, the 2016 Optima continues its value benefit with a starting sticker price of only $21,990 (LX 2.4L). The LX 1.6L sells for $23,990, EX 2.4L $24,990, SX 2.0T $29,790, and the SXL 2.0T $35,890. All trim variations include: alloy wheels, rear camera system, six-way power seat, remote keyless entry, satellite radio compatibility, air conditioning, cruise control and you can order ventilated front seats and heated rear seats across the trim levels.

Cool Features:

·         Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Connectivity Systems

·         Speed Alert and Curfew Alert

·         Paddle Shifters

Safety on the 2016 Kia Optima begins with the standard rear camera and continues with a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alerts. Additionally, the UVO eServices provides several features that are useful when teenagers are driving. They include: Find My Car, Speed Alert, Geo-Fencing and Curfew Alert that give parents the ability to locate the vehicle and to receive alerts when the Optima is going too fast, too far from home, or too late at night. The SXL also includes automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, and a lane-departure warning system.

In Summary – The Kia Optima, since its first major revision in 2011, has been a game changer in the mid-size market. The redesigned 2016 Optima is refined in the exterior and interior. It went from being a niche vehicle to a successful player, with the benchmark of design and value. The performance is energetic and thrilling, and the ride quality is much improved. The 2016 Optima has once again raised the bar and Kia is optimistic about its future. I suggest taking the Optima for a spin! Be prepared with your checkbook in hand!

Specifications

2016 Kia Optima LX Turbo

Base price:                  $23,990

Engine:                        1.6-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder

Horsepower:               178 @ 5,500 RPM

Torque:                       195 @ 1,500 RPM

Transmission:             7-speed automatic

Drive:                          FWD Drive

Seating:                       5-passenger

Turning circle:            35.8 feet

Cargo space:               15.9 cubic feet

Curb weight:               3224 pounds

Fuel capacity:              18.5 gallons      

EPA mileage:              City 28/Hwy 39

Wheel Base:                110.4 inches

Warranty:                    5 years/60,000 miles powertrain limited

Also consider:             Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Subaru Legacy