Kia Optima 2012

Since its launch in late 2010, Kia Motors America's (KMA) sleek sedan has stood apart from the crowd in the traditionally mundane midsize segment with its head-turning design, fun-to-drive performance, modern amenities and long list of standard safety features. In its first year on the market, the 2011 Kia Optima earned consumer and critical acclaim while sales increased nearly 150 percent and demand outpaced supply. The extraordinary growth is complemented by a slew of awards and accolades, such as being named "Most Gorgeous Car Under $20k" by Esquire, a 2011 "Editors' Most Wanted" vehicle by Edmunds' Inside Line, 2011 "Best New Model" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance, and inclusion on the "Ward's 10 Best Interiors" list. In addition to being recognized in the press, Optima also has received prestigious safety accolades being named a 2011 "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and receiving an overall five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Available in three trims – LX, EX, and SX – the Optima builds on an already solid platform for 2012 and adds numerous packaging and technology enhancements and new consumer-friendly amenities to provide a more upscale feel. On the outside, the 2012 Optima receives standard chrome accented exterior door handles, fog lights, heated outside mirrors, and new automatic light control on LX models while LED tail lights are now standard on EX models.

Moving inside, the 2012 Optima raises the technology bar by adding a standard eight-speaker Infinity®1 audio system, HD Radio, Kia's new UVO powered by Microsoft®2 voice-activated infotainment system, and power folding outside mirrors to the Premium Package on EX, EX Turbo and SX models. To further enhance Optima's interior refinement, a revised center fascia finish was added to all models while standard wood trim and metal bezel finishes make their way to EX models. For added convenience, Optima models equipped with a 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine will feature a Tire Mobility Kit.

Dynamic Platform

The Optima's distinctive style and sporting demeanor is evident from its sheet metal down to its platform. Optima's low, aerodynamic and powerful stance is assisted through its overall length of 190.7 inches – an increase of 1.7 inches over the previous generation model – overall width of 72.1 inches, wheelbase of 110 inches and low ground clearance of 5.3 inches. Optima's lightweight design uses high-tensile-strength steel to enhance structural strength while also achieving high torsional stiffness, benefiting handling, ride quality and refinement. Additional measures to help improve noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities also are fitted throughout the Optima.

Unique Collection of Efficient and Powerful Powertrains

The 2012 Optima is available in two fuel-efficient and powerful Theta II powerplants featuring gasoline direct injection (GDI), including a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine. A 2.4-liter hybrid engine also is available. The 2.4-liter GDI engine produces 200 horsepower while upgrading to the available 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine (EX Turbo and SX models) delivers V6-type power with a four-cylinder engine that produces 274 horsepower, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. All automatics feature Sportmatic™ clutchless shifting. A single six-speed manual transmission is available only on the LX model.

Kia Optima
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Kia Press

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