What’s New?
The Kia Optima is all new for 2006. It features distinctive styling on a new platform, a longer wheelbase, a wider track, increased horsepower, better fuel economy, and dramatically improved driving dynamics. Kia reaffirms its commitment to safety, fitting the Optima with six air bags, active front headrests, and a tire pressure-monitoring system. A new four-cylinder or revised V-6 engines are paired with a freshened 5-speed manual (standard on the I-4) or a new 5-speed automatic transmission that provides motivation to the front wheels.

Overview
Introduced in 2002 to do battle with popular midsize sedans, the Kia Optima is available in two trim levels: base LX and up-level EX; each comes with the choice of a 161-hp, 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine or a 2.7L V-6 developing 185 hp. The LX I-4 receives a 5-speed manual transmission, with a 5-speed automatic optionally available. Four-cylinder EX and both V-6 models are only available with the automatic. Safety features include dual advanced front air bags, front-seat side air bags, full-length side curtain air bags, door unlocking upon impact, and a tire pressure-monitoring system. Safety options include ABS-assisted brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, and brake assist.

Standard features include air conditioning, power windows and door locks, heated outside mirrors, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, split-folding rear seats, four-wheel disc brakes, and a tire pressure-monitoring system. The LX four-cylinder model with automatic transmission comes equipped with cruise control, keyless entry and alarm, manual tilt and telescopic steering column, audio system controls on the steering wheel, and floor mats. The LX V-6 model includes dual exhausts and alloy wheels. All EX models feature alloy wheels, fog lights, solar glass, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, automatic temperature control, Infinity AM/FM/Cassette/CD/MP3 audio system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer, metal door scuff plates, and chrome accent outside door handles, while the EX V-6 adds dual exhausts. An optional Leather Package for EX models includes leather seat trim, power front passenger seat, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and a rear window manual sunshade.

The Competition
The Kia Optima sees fierce competition within the Midsize Conventional segment, with 20 vehicles vying for sales in one of the largest segments—family sedans. In a segment this large, differentiation is key, and providing value, safety, and a complete package of standard features is the cost of entry.

According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM the sales leader in this segment for calendar year 2005 was the Toyota Camry, with 376,803 sales. It was followed by the Honda Accord (369,293), Nissan Altima (255,371), Chevrolet Malibu (245,861), and the outgoing Ford Taurus (196,919). The Kia Optima found 41,349 buyers in 2005. Other segment competitors with sales of more than 50,000 units in 2005 are the Pontiac G6, Buick LaCrosse, Subaru Legacy and Outback (combined), Chrysler Sebring (Sedan and Convertible combined), Dodge Stratus Sedan, and Mazda 6.