Critical Knowledge:- On sale early fall 2008
- Exterior changes to lights, grille, and some body panels
- Three inches longer, but wheelbase doesn't grow
- New base 4-cylinder engine with 13 more hp
- Sportier SX trim added
Introduction
The midsize Kia Optima got a redesign in 2006 that made it a wider car with a longer wheelbase. The 2009 model, on sale in the fall of 2008 and shown at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, gets a modest makeover with new body panels,
a new 4-cylinder engine and a new trim level (SX). Exterior changes include a larger front grille and fog lamps; sharper body creases; and crisper tail lights. Interior styling upgrades and added stereo features complete the makeover.
Hardware
The optional 2.7-liter V-6 engine on the 2009 Kia Optima carries over from the 2008 model, but power gets a slight boost to 190 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. The base engine, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, is new. It makes 175 hp, up 13 from the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that it replaces. Each engine features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and a Variable Intake System (VIS), which helps improve fuel economy. The LX 4-cylinder Optima gets a 5-speed manual transmission, while other models come equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic. ...
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