KIA Optima

KIA Optima,

The 2011 Kia Optima is redesigned with freshened styling and a new gas/electric hybrid model. This midsize car shares elements of its basic design and powertrains with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata produced by Kia's corporate parent. Optima reprises its LX, EX, and SX trim levels, and adds a Hybrid model for 2011. LX and EX have a 200-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. That engine replaces a 175-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and a 194-horsepower 2.7-liter V6. Standard on SX and available on EX is a 274-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is available only on LX. A 6-speed automatic is optional for that model, and is standard otherwise. The Hybrid uses a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a battery-powered electric motor for 206 horsepower total. It's connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid can run on one or both its sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Available features include heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a wireless cell-phone link, air-conditioned glovebox, panoramic sunroof, and a navigation system.

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2011 Kia Sportage

Kia has been in the process of updating its exterior design language for a few models now, and the results continue to impress with 2011 Kia Sportage, which debuted at the recent Geneva Motor Show in

Switzerland.The Sportage bears a close family resemblance to the new Kia Sorento and Kia Forte/Kia Forte Koupe, with an aggressive front fascia, sporting stance, and sculpted hood and bodywork. It�s a vast

improvement over the South Korean automaker�s previous-generation Sportage, which looked more like it was designed in North Korea.Kia hasn�t provided a full spec sheet for the vehicle yet, but the company says it will be �longer, lower and wider� than the current model, with more interior room and a longer wheelbase.

 One can look for the Sportage to offer the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that drives its platform-mate, the new Hyundai Tucson, along with similar EPA ratings of 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway.

The new Sportage comes along at a great time for Kia, as it will be one of the newest, most efficient vehicles in one of the industry�s most important and competitive segments. And although the Toyota RAV4 also debuted with macho new sheet metal in Geneva, its parent company�s quality woes put it at a distinct

disadvantage to the Kia. This leaves the Sportage to take on one of the more formidable compact crossovers, the Rogue, which continues to be a stellar success among Nissan Rogue Seattle WA dealers for its style, peppy powertrain, and competitive fuel economy.

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