Good: Fully Loaded, 2011 Kia Optima SX offers the fate of the car as the car much more expensive. The engine uses direct injection and turbocharging to produce 274 horsepower. Infinity audio system produces a very satisfying music.
The bad: The navigation system does not include a card run. Turbo is below the range of fuel economy is EPA's easy.
Results: 2011 Kia Optima SX interesting destination makes midsize sedan through the small cabin, plenty of energy, and unique exterior design.
2011 Kia Optima Optima SX third mark considered by CNET this year, indicating a strange obsession. But each of these models Optima different enough to merit attention.
First, Optima EX, which opened this generation Kia sedan half, and has shown excellent design work and interior electronics. Second, we examined the Optima debuted the first hybrid car from Kia.
And now we come to the Optima SX. Although it uses the same body and electronics as a model EX cab, has another engine of progress for the company. Optima SX comes with a turbocharged 2-liter direct injection four-cylinder. It uses almost all the technologies currently in vogue, to increase capacity while increasing fuel efficiency.
The figures show benefits apparently without pain turbocharging. Optima SX gets 274 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque, where the 2.4-liter, which also uses direct injection, Optima EX gets 200 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA fuel economy numbers are Optima SX 22 miles per gallon city and 34 highway miles per gallon, and the EX gets only 2 mpg better in town. This is a big increase in power for a small sacrifice in fuel economy.
Part of the dispersion of fuel economy can be attributed to the mode of Eco car steering-wheel buttons devoted to Eco mode, which is a bit of acceleration out of tune. This does not prevent the acceleration of a lot, but it is easier to start a smooth stop. In our tests, we used to half the driving time.
In passing and merging maneuvers, 274 horsepower was a great advantage, giving the car the gain is expected in a midsize sedan. It's easy to take a leap forward, even when at cruising speed. The turbo lag is not a problem on takeoff from a stop due to the tuning of the engine and transmission.
But despite the acceleration of the car ready and paddles on the steering wheel, Optima SX sport is not a sleeper. First, front-wheel drive that automatically deprived among connoisseurs.
Second, by including in turn, that is overloaded, before washing in understeer and traction control out of power. This does not mean you are doing wrong, as its borders with easy access. Adherence to the proper speed for the car body roll does not show much, as it happens around the corner.