What Edmunds.com Says: Don^t expect the upcoming Optima to be too much like the current Sonata, as Kia plans on continuing the differentiation between its vehicles and that of parent company Hyundai.

What We Know: The 2007 Kia Optima will receive all-new sheet metal, which results in a new look for the brand, which may not be daring, but is certainly suitable enough. The Optima^s overall proportions will all increase, leading to gains in width, length, height, cargo and interior space. Two engines will be offered on the American version of the 2007 Optima: a four-cylinder and a six-cylinder, which will be paired, respectively, with four- and six-speed automatic transmissions. An additional draw to the upcoming Optima will be the abundance of new standard safety features, which will include front, side, and side curtain airbags. Despite the recent opening of Hyundai^s manufacturing plant in Montgomery, Alabama, Kia will still continue to build the Optima in Korea. Don^t expect much of a change in the price of this midsize sedan: it^s hard to imagine the vehicle starting at any more than about $20K when it goes on sale in early 2006.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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