Quick Test: 2008 Kia Optima EX

If you've been diligently researching four-cylinder family sedans, then you likely know about the new 2009 Hyundai Sonata, which received such significant upgrades -- a more powerful engine and an all-new interior. Well, as Kia showed at last April's New York auto show, the Optima, which just happens to be the Sonata's corporate sibling, will receive similar enhancements for '09 as well. Which brings us to what you're already thinking -- yes, we tried to get the new 2009 Optima, but were told none was available until later in the year. Too bad, because the Kia probably would have impressed us more than it did.

Naturally, our 2008 Optima EX amazed us with its value. Carrying a base price of just $20,135, it included a 162-hp engine, a five-speed automatic with manual control, four-wheel disc brakes, six airbags, automatic climate control, leather seat trim, an eight-way power driver's seat, heated mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and, of course, a stellar warranty. Our tester boasted four options -- $700 Appearance Package (17-in. wheels, blackout exterior trim, black interior trim), $600 Electronic Stability Package (electronic stability control, traction control, ABS, brake assist), $1300 Premium Package (Infinity sound system, sunroof), $700 Convenience Package (heated front seats, power front passenger seat, power adjustable pedals, rear sunshade)-that added a lot of show for not much dough, bringing the bottom line up to only $23,435.

While that represents big bang for your buck, it doesn't exactly equate to the best bang for your buck. For example, a beautifully equipped 2009 Sonata SE with an automatic, sunroof, and 17-in. wheels goes for just over $22,000.

Nevertheless, buying an Optima does not make you foolish -- far from it, in fact. Not only is it aggressively priced, but it's also well-built, loaded with content, and respectably capable at the test track, posting 0 to 60 in 8.8 sec, the quarter mile in 16.7 at 84.3 mph, 60 to 0 braking in 130 ft, and lateral acceleration of 0.79 g.

Overall, we'd rate this Kia mid-pack. As senior editor Edward Loh summarizes the Optima: "It's not a bad car by any stretch, but not a great one, either."

2008 Kia Optima EX
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
Drivetrain layout	Front-engine, FWD
Engine type	I-4, alum block/head
Valvetrain	DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
Displacement	144.0 cu in/2359cc
Compression ratio	10.5:1
Power (SAE NET)	162 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque (SAE NET)	164 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
Redline	6500 rpm
Weight to power	20.5 lb/hp
Transmission	5-speed automatic
Axle/final	3.25:1/3.17:1
Suspension, front; rear	Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Steering ratio	14.1:1
Turns lock-to-lock	2.9
Brakes, f;r	11.0-in vented disc; 10.3-in disc, ABS
Wheels	6.5 x 17-in, cast aluminum
Tires	215/50R17 90V M+S, Michelin Pilot HX MXM4
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase	107.1 in
Track, f/r	61.5/61.1 in
Length x width x height	186.4 x 71.1 x 58.3 in
Turning circle	35.5 ft
Curb weight	3325 lb
Weight dist., f/r	61/39 %
Seating capacity	5
Headroom, f/r	39.8/38.0 in
Legroom, f/r	43.7/37.8 in
Shoulder room, f/r	54.5/54.7 in
Cargo volume	14.8 cu ft
TEST DATA
Acceleration to mph
0-30	2.9 sec
0-40	4.6
0-50	6.7
0-60	8.8
0-70	11.7
0-80	15.2
0-90	19.3
Passing, 45-65 mph	4.4
Quarter mile	16.7 sec @ 84.3 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph	130 ft
Lateral acceleration	0.79 g (avg)
MT figure eight	28.6 sec @ 0.56 g (avg)
Top-gear revs @ 60 mph	1975 rpm
CONSUMER INFO
Base price	$20,135
Price as tested	$23,435
Stability/traction control	Yes,/yes
Airbags	Dual front, front side, f/r curtain
Basic warranty	5 yrs/60,000 miles
Powertrain warranty	10 yrs/100,000 miles
Roadside assistance	5 yrs/60,000 miles
Fuel capacity	16.4 gal
EPA city/hwy econ	21/31 mpg
CO2 emissions	0.79 lb/mile
MT fuel economy	21.8 mpg
Recommended fuel	Unleaded regular

By Ron Kiino
Motor Trend