The about to be released 2013 Kia Optima can be described with just five words: Gorgeous design and great value. The Kia Optima has always been a front- wheel drive and a five-passenger car. It is considered among car enthusiasts as one of the most attractive looking mid-sized sedans on the market. After undergoing a complete redesign in 2011, buyers should not expect to see more than just some minor changes directed especially to the interior, front air dam, and rear bumper. The new Kia Optima is expected to be released towards the end of this year. A completely redesigned model will likely be released sometimes in 2014.
2013 Kia Optima Trims and Engines
The 2013 Optima will be available in 3 trim levels, and each of the trim has some generous list of standard features. 2013 Optima trims are as follows: SX, EX, and LX, there are also some speculations that a limited edition will come out. The LX trim will likely come with a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder that will offer 200-hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The SX will use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 274-hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. All the trims will have six-speed automatic transmission system. Features like navigation system, automatic climate control, power heated leather seating, panoramic sunroof and aluminium wheels will all be available. There will also be safety features like active headrests, rear-view camera, stability-control, traction-control, a tire pressure monitor and four-wheel antilock brakes.
The 2013 Kia Optima SX is the high end trim, and it will have some unique features like door panels and leather seats made with high quality materials, LED daytime running lights, red brake callipers and it will ride on 18-inch wheels. With a higher quality centre console, first aid kit, wood grain interior, and an electronic parking brake in the interior, the SX trim gives a new definition to the word “luxury”. The Optima 2013 LX trim will offer a cruise control feature, dual exhaust, front fog lights and 16-inch alloy wheels. There are speculations that the EX trim will be dropped but if it comes out, it will seat on 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Hybrid made for the Kia Optima 2013 model will offer high gas mileage and an outstanding value. It will use two power sources (2.4 Litre gas engine and a 40 HP rated electric motor) that will combine to deliver 206 HP using the standard six-speed automatic transmission. Its optional package includes heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel and dual sunroofs. The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid is expected to have an estimate mileage of 35 and 40 mpg in city and highway respectively.
Prices of Kia cars make it a value leader, but there will be an upward creep on this model. There is a $1,925 base price increment this year. The 2013 Kia Optima trims are priced differently; SX Limited starts at $35,275, including the destination charge.
With its premium features, how will Kia Optima 2013 compete with other cars of the same class? We can only wait to see how the market will react to the $13,875 price difference between the entry-level Optima LX and its lavishly-designed sibling, the 2013 Kia Optima SX when it is released around September 2012.
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