Topic: Test Drive: 2011 Kia Optima EX Luxury

[Autos_Editor]

Formerly the Magentis, the redesigned Optima mid-size sedan is sportier than its corporate sibling, the Hyundai Sonata, says Chris Chase.

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[JohnM]

"By contrast, the busy D.C.-area beltways are nearly models of orderly driving, except for the locals’ tendency to follow too closely."

That was the Homeland Security boys scoping you Chris.

Yet another first class offering from the Korean twins.  I wonder when they will start innovating and taking chances hitting niche markets like Honda?   Anyway, it's nice to have the cars they are now making on the market.

Cheers,
John M.

[Jaeger]

Good review overall, though I found this comment odd:

This one is based directly on the same platform that underpins the also-new-for-2011 Hyundai Sonata. Despite being corporate relatives and sharing many of the dirty bits that make up both cars, Hyundai and Kia are technically rivals in the marketplace, even if they each go after a slightly different driving demographic. In this case, the Optima is marketed to buyers looking for more sport in their sedan. Beyond the styling – the Kia is racier-looking than the Sonata – the differences are subtle, but they do exist.

I don't find the stylistic differences between Optima and Sonata to be "subtle" at all.  In fact, given the common components and dimensions, I don't know how these two 4-door sedans could look any more different - both inside and out.  Very far removed from the "badge engineering" made famous by.... well.... you know.

Oh, and Chris, it is my sincere wish that you and all auto journalists would excise the hackneyed phrase "the loud pedal" from your collective lexicon.

Jaeger

[chrischasescars]

Good review overall, though I found this comment odd:

This one is based directly on the same platform that underpins the also-new-for-2011 Hyundai Sonata. Despite being corporate relatives and sharing many of the dirty bits that make up both cars, Hyundai and Kia are technically rivals in the marketplace, even if they each go after a slightly different driving demographic. In this case, the Optima is marketed to buyers looking for more sport in their sedan. Beyond the styling – the Kia is racier-looking than the Sonata – the differences are subtle, but they do exist.

I don't find the stylistic differences between Optima and Sonata to be "subtle" at all.  In fact, given the common components and dimensions, I don't know how these two 4-door sedans could look any more different - both inside and out.  Very far removed from the "badge engineering" made famous by.... well.... you know.

Oh, and Chris, it is my sincere wish that you and all auto journalists would excise the hackneyed phrase "the loud pedal" from your collective lexicon.

Jaeger

I don't think the stylistic differences are subtle either, which is why I said the subtleties lie beyond the styling.

I try to avoid overused euphemisms, but they sneak in there from time to time. Thanks for the feedback.

[Jaeger]

Okay - I misundertood the styling comment.

Jaeger

[chrischasescars]

To be fair, I could have stated it more simply.

[Jaeger]

I'd say the Optima definitely looks more sporty.  Since it and the Sonata look very different from each other, it doesn't surprise me that some would have a decided preference for one over the other.  I happen to like both quite well.  The Optima unfortunately rubs one of my particular pet peeves: fake, tacky, cheesy, completely non-functional fender vents.  They are not the only maker to add a serving of this particlar brand of fromage - and I don't like it no matter who does it.  And the Cuisinart-style wheels on the top level SX don't do anything for me, either.  But I like the greater range of colours offered versus the Sonata, and the availability of OEM HIDs aswell.

Jaeger

[dirtyjeffer]

i sure hope you don't watch any Top Gear reviews...you wouldn't be impressed with how much fun they have.

[kenm]

Oh, and Chris, it is my sincere wish that you and all auto journalists would excise the hackneyed phrase "the loud pedal" from your collective lexicon.

Jaeger

While on the topic, maybe the following could also be studiously avoided:

References to stability control systems as onboard nannies (I don't think Graeme Fletcher does a Motoring review without said reference).

Descriptions of power output as prodigious (another Graeme Fletcher tired favourite).

Any reference to cornering like its on rails.

Any reference to the rear end of a fast car being the view most people will see.

Others?

There will be nothing remaining but the pics and the spec sheets. 

[chrischasescars]

Oh, and Chris, it is my sincere wish that you and all auto journalists would excise the hackneyed phrase "the loud pedal" from your collective lexicon.

Jaeger

While on the topic, maybe the following could also be studiously avoided:

References to stability control systems as onboard nannies (I don't think Graeme Fletcher does a Motoring review without said reference).

Descriptions of power output as prodigious (another Graeme Fletcher tired favourite).

Any reference to cornering like its on rails.

Any reference to the rear end of a fast car being the view most people will see.

Others?

There will be nothing remaining but the pics and the spec sheets. 

  We're not that bad around here.

[5 Wheel Drive]

Oh, and Chris, it is my sincere wish that you and all auto journalists would excise the hackneyed phrase "the loud pedal" from your collective lexicon.

Jaeger

While on the topic, maybe the following could also be studiously avoided:

References to stability control systems as onboard nannies (I don't think Graeme Fletcher does a Motoring review without said reference).

Descriptions of power output as prodigious (another Graeme Fletcher tired favourite).

Any reference to cornering like its on rails.

Any reference to the rear end of a fast car being the view most people will see.

Others?

There will be nothing remaining but the pics and the spec sheets. 

  We're not that bad around here.

You're not that bad at all!  If he's not a fan of Graeme Fletcher's descriptions, maybe he should direct his comments to Graeme Fletcher...   

[CatsEye68]

[You're not that bad at all!  If he's not a fan of Graeme Fletcher's descriptions, maybe he should direct his comments to Graeme Fletcher...   

The comment was an elaboration on an earlier post about overused metaphors, terms and the like in auto journalism. 

Ah yes, the "shifter falls readily to hand" school of journalism.