2012 Kia Optima goes on sale with superior combination of performance, technology and long list of convenience features!
Every automaker has one car that seems to lead the way and ends up being the flagship vehicle that defines the image and message that the maker is trying to get across with their entire line-up.
For Kia Motors America, many would argue that the Optima sedan has gone a long way towards becoming that vehicle, and with its incredible performance in the midsize market, it’s certainly the one that stands out among all the other cars in that category.
The 2011 Kia Optima wowed critics and consumers alike, picking up awards and shattering sales records in the process. It would have been easy for Kia to leave well enough alone for the 2012 version, but their approach to improving design, performance and fuel efficiency has led to the popular Optima mid-size sedan receiving some improvements that are sure to continue the trend set with the previous model.
The additions have been included to provide an even more luxurious feel to a vehicle that is already far more than one would expect from a car that comes in under $20,000.
Many of the upgrades come in the form of technological advances, which may vary depending on whether the customer opts for the LX, EX or SX model. Standard across all Kia Optima 2012 models is the eight-speaker Infinity audio system, which far exceeds most factory issued sound systems, and if you want to take the entertainment to the next level, then opting for the EX, regular and turbo, and SX will mean having access to the super cool voice-activated UVO infotainment system.
A stylish fascia finish has been added to all models, with the EX receiving metal bezel finishes, as well as LED tail lights.
The exterior continues the focus that Kia has put on a sleek, modern design, and that is visible in the fact that the Optima has an aggressive looking front and a muscular stance, yet is still able to exude a beauty that make it stand out in a crowd. The standard model comes with a number of great features that you would expect to find on higher models of most cars.
A dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, outside mirror turn signal indicators, front fog lights, outside heated mirrors are just a few of the standard features you will find on the LX, and as you would expect, those add-ons become even more glamorous on the EX and SX models.
As you would expect from Kia, fuel efficiency is excellent on all models of the 2012 Optima ranging from 22/34 mpg to 24/35 mpg, depending on engine and transmission. The engines come in both 2.0L and 2.4L formats and can produce up to 274 horsepower, which is quite a kick for a midsize. As you can see, the 2012 Optima looks to be a worthy entry into an already impressive history, and will more than likely help propel Kia to even greater sales success.
October 27th, 2011 at 1:32 am
The redesigned seats are awesome, and the “new car small” is now just like the Sorento’s.
October 27th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Would like to see what the 2012 Forte has to offer
October 27th, 2011 at 9:50 pm
2012 Forte has been on the website for over a month.
October 27th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
Off topic but not really. I just saw the new Mazda concept called Takera. The tailights ripped off the Sonata’s just like the 2012 Lexus GS did. Also the face is just a click and paste from the Mazda CX-5 (that’s easy to do). I’m glad the Sportage, Optima, Forte, Rio, K2, K7 have different designs languages. Also, the side profile is off the Acura ZDX’s. But since it’s not Korean, the design is orginal. This new Optima is ready to take on that next Mazda sedan. Some bring it on Mazda!!! Also I just saw the production version of the over rated Toyota 89 coupe. Lets just say, ” it’s not as nice looking as the concpet”.
October 27th, 2011 at 11:19 pm
I took a closer look at that Toyota FT86 concept and the headlights ripped off the Hyundai I -Blue. So is Japanese cars copying the Korean’s now? After all, wasn’t the Hyundai Tuscon the first and only CUV to copy one of Nissan’s SUVs, then all of a sudden here came the Chrysler Delta and Mazda CX-5. But since those aren’t Korean, the Delta looks nothing like the Murano.
October 27th, 2011 at 11:40 pm
35mpg for a regualar gasoline engine? Too bad it won’t get advertised even though amercians are really looking at cars’ mpgs rather than a slam dunk. But since I need to go to school for marketing since I don’t know what I’m talking about, I gotta find out why using a professional NBA player for a car commercial didn’t bring the Optima to top 10 best selling cars in America.
October 29th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Kia’s Optima would be the preferable choice over the Mazda Takera. Mazda just can’t seem to develop a sound design language that speaks to me.
October 31st, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Has anyone heard about a built date for the manual transmission Optimas? Ive been waiting forever and no one can tell me anything!
December 8th, 2011 at 6:21 am
I just bought a 2012 Optima EX Turbo with all the bells and whistles took it out on the highway for the first time and the wind noise is terrible and get worse with speed. Now whats worse is took it to two dealerships to have it checked out and both places agree that the wind noise is there but they cant do anything because it is normal on all Optimas so they say its alright. Has anyone else experienced this problem.
December 8th, 2011 at 6:42 pm
Really looking forward to the Kia Optima launching in the UK in Januray 2012.1.7 diesel engine should be very economical.
December 12th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@Mike Try to take your car to other than these two dealers (they seems ignorant). There is some kind of plastic (or rubber) it must be replaced which will reduce the noise significantly.