2017 Kia Optima 1.6T Review

2017 Kia Optima 1.6T Review - When it debuted at the New York vehicle show in 2010, the now-outgoing Kia Optima wowed spectators with its attenuated roofline and identified visage, penciled under the instructions of design boss Peter Schreyer. That Optima established Kia's present design language, as well as the brand-new, 2016 variation doesn't roaming much from the manuscript, with the tiger-nose grille, the arc of chrome along the roof covering side, and the beltline that scoops at the rear. Details might have transformed, as well as the car is 1.1 inches wider and a bit longer, but no one will puzzle the new car with anything however an Optima.
Enter the Wee Turbo
Two of the three offered engines rollover. The mainstay 2.4-liter four-cylinder is a naturally aspirated unit making 185 horse power and also 178 lb-ft of torque; it's located under the hood of the base LX and also the mid-level Ex Lover. On top end, the 2.0-liter turbo returns sporting 245 horse power and 260 lb-ft; it powers the SX and the SXL. Both obtain a six-speed automated. New to the party is the engine in our examination automobile: a 1.6-liter turbo four wed to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated. Its 178-hp outcome is the lowest of the team, yet its 195 lb-ft of torque betters the 2.4-liter.

2017 Kia Optima 1.6T Review

Readily available only in the LX 1.6 T, the 1.6-liter is made to be the most affordable offering of the lot (apart from the Optima hybrid, still based upon the previous-gen vehicle), and its EPA rankings of 28/39 mpg city/highway are at the top of the course. Its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, however, is a welcome break from the increasing tide of CVTs in this classification. It credibly simulates the smoothness of a torque-converter automated at reduced speeds as well as delivers well-timed changes under acceleration. That velocity is pretty spry for a green man, aided by the fact that the Optima LX 1.6 T danced across our scales at 3241 extra pounds-- greater than 300 pounds less than the 2.0-liter SX. That number is about on the same level with a four-cylinder Honda Accord.

It's additionally more than 200 pounds lighter than the Ford Combination 1.5-liter EcoBoost, which is probably the Optima LX 1.6 T's most straight rival. In a fight in between those 2 eco-misers, the Kia radiates. Engine result is practically a draw-- the Kia's 1.6-liter makes 3 fewer horse power yet 10 lb-ft more torque compared to the Ford's 1.5-liter EcoBoost-- yet the Optima's gas economic situation is better by 3 mpg in the city and also 2 mpg on the highway (and that's finding the Combination its optional vehicle stop-start system). And when it's time to put your foot down, the Kia's 7.3-second zero-to-60 time trounces the Ford's 8.2-second outcome.

Actually, the situation could quickly be made that the 1.6 is the very best of the 3 Optima powerplants. The 2.0-liter turbo got to 60 mph just half a second much faster in our examination, at an expense of 6 mpg in the city and 7 mpg on the highway. The 2.4-liter four (which we examined in the Optima's close kin, the Hyundai Sonata) is both slower, at 7.9 seconds to 60, and also thirstier. Mentioning the Sonata, when we examined the 1.6 turbo because auto-- where it's supplied in the Sonata Eco-- it was also quicker, hitting 60 in 6.7 seconds; that recommends our Optima, which had less than 500 miles on the clock, might have done also a lot better with a much more broken-in engine.

The LX 1.6 T rides on the Optima's basic suspension, not the "sport-tuned" variation located in the SX and also the SXL; however, it need not make any sort of apologies for its ride. Pleasantly restrained without too much body activities, it's additionally certified sufficient to take the edge off severe pavement, aided by this version's 65-series rubber on 16-inch wheels. The low-rolling-resistance tires, however, brought about a long stopping range of 185 feet from 70 miles per hour, although roadholding was a reputable 0.83 g.
You Desired Natural leather with That?
That the 1.6-liter engine comes in just one trim level could be its major downside. One boost from the base LX, the LX 1.6 T is sensibly well outfitted (Bluetooth, a backup cam, keyless entrance), yet if you desire natural leather, seat heating units, or navigating, you need to climb the ladder. The alternatives listing does, nonetheless, consist of navigating, a blind-spot warning system, as well as rear cross-traffic alert.

2017 Kia Optima 1.6T Review

At this degree, interior materials are rather basic, with bunches of grained black plastic, but at the very least the guiding wheel is wrapped in smooth natural leather, the armrests are halfway decent cushioned, and also the console has abundant storage. The previous Optima's even more driver-oriented dash has been replaced by a brand-new style that stresses the cabin's width. It's an uncomplicated interior decoration with a gimmick-free format of the controls that recalls the Honda Accord. The comfortable seating placement is improved by a popular dead pedal for the vehicle driver, and also relatively slim columns and a reduced cowl afford excellent presence. The back seat boasts abundant legroom and also sufficient headroom under the sloping roofline along with a short-trip-appropriate middle position.
The 2011 version brought the Optima in from the subprime edge of the mid-size-sedan market, and the upgraded design should maintain it there. While not one of the most powerful or extravagant variation, the LX 1.6 T might be its most fascinating, offering pain-free frugality that needs to speak with price-conscious sedan buyers.

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