Jalopnik
new york auto show
2009 Kia Optima Gets Mid-Cycle Refreshment, Auto World Shocked
You know the Kia Optima? Not really, no? The Optima is what you would buy because you just didn't like the Suzuki Forenza. Though a mid-cycle refreshment, it's a definite improvement over the "only as a rental car" original design. There's also more power for the four-cylinder engine, which is now nearly as powerful as the V6. Features such as leather sports seats and turn signal lights integrated into the mirrors raise the vehicle's profile to nearly 1998 Honda Accord levels. At a wooden, scripted Q&A session, the Kia execs made reference to Miles Davis' "exquisite simplicity" as a way of explaining the new design direction. We're thinking more Kenny G covering Miles Davis: a familiar melody without the familiar passion. Speaking of music, props to the production crew for the best pre-reveal mixtape: Belle & Sebastian, Joe Jackson and Simon & Garfunkle, to name just a few.More »
11:15 AM on Thu Mar 20 2008
By Matt Hardigree
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Latest by TwilightSentinel: argh, that's "workHORSE" -- though "workhouse" works in an odd way. more »
