2011 Kia Optima Earns an Edmunds' Editors Most Wanted Award

2011 Kia Optima

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 6, 2011; The Editors of Edmunds' InsideLine.com named the all-new, performance-oriented 2011 Kia Optima as an "Editors' Most Wanted(SM)" Award winner. The Optima was one of six vehicles to receive the accolade and the only midsize sedan honored.

"Consumers no longer have to settle for mediocre traditional midsize sedan offerings €“ the Optima breaks through the status quo by offering world-class design, confidence-inspiring performance, and a long list of safety and technology features without compromising Kia's outstanding value," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "We're honored to receive this distinguished recognition from the editors of Inside Line. This award underscores the dramatic impact Kia's design-led transformation is having on the brand."

The stylish, all-new 2011 Optima was praised for its "comfortable cabin, excellent mileage and plenty of features." In the review of the vehicle, Inside Line called the Optima "an affordable family car that looks, feels and drives a class higher."

"The Edmunds' Inside Line 'Editors' Most Wanted(SM)' Award winners are chosen for one simple reason: They're the cars, trucks, and vans that we like the best," said Ed Hellwig, Editor of InsideLine.com. "'Editors' Most Wanted' winners are the cars that we remember the most even after hundreds of test drives. These are cars that we'd buy for ourselves and highly recommend to our friends and family."

The Edmunds' InsideLine.com "Editors' Most Wanted(SM)" Awards are awarded annually to six vehicles based on the votes of 11 Edmunds' Inside Line editors. Every car and truck for sale in the United States is eligible for the "Editors' Most Wanted" award if tested by Edmunds' Inside Line by December 1.

The all-new 2011 Optima, which stars as the Official Vehicle of the NBA, advances Kia Motors' design-led transformation with completely new and stunning design characteristics, highlighted by a dynamic and streamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic confidence from every angle. The all-new Optima's three new powertrains €“ including the brand's first-ever turbo and hybrid engines (available later this year) in the U.S. €“ deliver a class leading combination of power(1) and fuel economy(2) while the sedan's spacious cabin is outfitted with the latest technology features and luxury amenities. Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX(3) , the 2011 Optima features a starting MSRP of $18,995.(4)

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 730 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site €“ www.kia.com.

(1) HP claim based on comparison of 2010 and available 2011 midsize sedans with standard 4-cylinder engine as of December 2010. Maximum horsepower for Optima 2.4L GDI engine is 200 hp @ 6,300 rpm; maximum horsepower for Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) 2.4L GDI engine -- the only non-turbo engine available in CA, CT, ME, MD, MA, NJ, NM, NY, OR, PA, RI, VT and WA -- is 192 hp @ 6,300 rpm.

(2) MPG claim for LX manual transmission. EPA estimate for 2011 Kia Optima LX 2.4L GDI engine w/MT are 24 mpg/city and 35 mpg/hwy. Claim based on comparison as of December 2010 of 2010 and available 2011 EPA city/hwy mpg estimates for midsize sedans with I4, nonhybrid engines. Actual mileage may vary.

(3) SX model will be available later this year

(4) Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRPs exclude $695 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary