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2006 Kia Optima Review
All-new 2006.5 version a solid mid-size sedan.
2006 Optima Review Summary & Specifications
The first Optima made a statement: Kia wants to be a contender. The second-generation Optima, this one, delivers. Although its engines are not the most powerful in the segment, in other important ways, the Optima is every bit as good as any equally equipped, direct competitor. It's as solid, as comfortable, as quiet, as well built, and as economical. Especially that last one, the major measure: price. What a deal.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from Yountville, California.
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| Vehicle Category | Midsize Cars |
| Editor | Tom Lankard |
| Model Lineup | Kia Optima LX 5M ($16,355); LX 5A ($17,650); LX 5A V6 ($19,345); EX ($19,395); EX V6 ($20,400) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.4-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4 |
| Engines (optional) | 161-hp 2.4-liter inline-4; 185-hp 2.7-liter V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | front airbags; front seat-mounted, side airbags; full-coverage, side-curtain airbags; front-seat, active head restraints; rear-seat, child safety seat anchors (LATCH); tire pressure monitor |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | Electronic Stability Package with electronic stability control, traction control and brake assist; antilock brakes |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Hwasung, South Korea |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-333-4542 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.kia.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 16355 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Kia Optima EX ($19,395) |
| Standard Equipment | automatic, filtered climate control; AM/FM/CD/MP3/cassette stereo with 6-disc changer; power windows, central locking and heated outside mirrors; cruise control; 8-way power driver seat; leather-wrapped shift knob and tilt-and-telescope steering wheel |
| Destination Charge | 600 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Leather Package ($1300) includes leather seat trim, heated front seats, 4-way power front passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, manual rear window sunshade; power sunroof with tilt ($800); ABS ($300); ESP ($300) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 22695 |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 161 @ 5800 |
| Torque | 163 @ 4250 |
| Fuel Economy | 24/34 |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 |
| Length/Width/Height | 186.4/71.1/58.3 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 35.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.8/54.5/43.7 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38/54.7/37.8 |
| Trunk Volume | 14.8 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 2000 |
| Front Suspension | independent, MacPherson strut, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent, multi-link, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar |
| Ground Clearance | 6.3 |
| Curb Weight | 3179 |
| Stock Tires | P205/60R16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/vented disc with ABS, Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.4 |
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