By Duane Pemberton
Company website: www.kia.com
(Click on any of the photos to enlarge)

When I first looked at the Optima EX back in May, I was a bit overwhelmed that I was in fact driving a Kia sedan that I would actually like to own myself! It’s sharp-styling, appropriate interior decor ride and overall handling made it a car that’s hard to beat for the money – my only real gripe? Performance – enter in the SX model.

Specs:

• 2.0L 4-cyl. engine
• Automatic transmission
• Up to 22 cty/34 hwy mpg
• Torque: 269 ft-lbs. @ 1750 rpm
• Horsepower: 274 hp @ 6000 rpm
• Turning circle: 35.8 ft.
• Bluetooth
• MP3 Player
• Satellite radio
• Side/Curtain Airbags
• Stability Control
• Traction Control
• Navigation System (Optional)

Building on the same 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the SX slaps on a turbo that boosts it to a whopping 274hp and 269ft-lbs of torque – all while boasting an estimated gas mileage at: 22/34. This is quite staggering for any sedan to boast these kinds of numbers – it definitely sets the bar high for performance to MPG.

In addition, the SX model adds paddle shifters, a tighter suspension for better handling and an integrated rear spoiler.

Inside is same interior as our EX model had – well-trimmed dashboard and seats add to the overall sporty-feel of the Optima. Even though there’s use of plastic inside, it doesn’t feel out of place, given the price category of the SX.

Our model had the on-board navigation system, a KICK-ASS Infinity sound system, heated or cooled front and heated rear seats – something I haven’t see from any other auto-maker yet in a car in this price range. There are plenty of cup-holders, ample storage in the center console and a generous trunk that can easily accommodate large suitcases and a few bags of golf clubs.

Rear leg-room is very ample, easily accommodating two large adults and one smaller one  (the middle seat is slightly elevated) – they have their own rear climate control, power windows and, as mentioned, heated seats to boot.

Where the SX really shines, however, is its performance – once the turbo kicks-in, it’s time to really enjoy the ride as you’re accelerated from 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds (Car and Driver test results). That’s very good performance for a sedan of this class but that’s not where the fun ends – the way it handles the corners is also pretty darn solid – my only real complaint is that I’d like to see a less-bouncy suspension in that when you do hit bumps, the car seems to over-exaggerate them a bit too much for my liking.

In the end, it’s really hard to find much fault in this car and when you consider its competition, there really isn’t much reason to look elsewhere – it offers V6-performance with 4-cylinder gas mileage, great styling, form and function all wrapped up in an industry-leading, 10-year/100,000 mile warranty.

If this car was a bottle of wine, I’d liken it to a Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon – it has the ability to take your palate on an great adventure, is reliably good and is priced in a way to beat its competition.

If you’re at all in the market for a new car, I’d highly encourage you to test-drive this car, I know it’ll blow you away with its performance and with you mumbling to yourself: “I can’t believe this is a Kia!”