"You've come along way baby". Kia has made huge strides when it comes to exterior design of their fleet. In the past we couldn't wait for the next Kia to come out so we could just rip it apart. I am sad (and glad) to say those days are gone. The Optima has grown in size and is a realistic contender in its class. The Optima's horizontal line is strong and carries the full length of the vehicle. Always a plus in our book. Kia's new grill reminds me of a paper clip and doesn't really help the Optima's attempt to have a more aggressive look. The head lights fit the design but don't evoke a sense of aggression that the rest of the car pulls off. I really like the lighting effect located near the rear of the head light. It gives the car some unique light styling.
The one area that I don't care for on the Optima is the area near the bottom of the front end. The lower air intake spans the front of the vehicle and from there black pieces of plastic encompass the fog lights making it look like one giant connected void. This design feature just doesn't fit in with the rest of the car. It really catches your eye which takes your attention away from the design as a whole.
The rear of the Optima is clean and well designed. The tail lights are slightly slanted downward as they travel around the back toward the center of the car. The tail lights look as if they were cut off by an indentation located in the center of the trunk lid, adding some design interest. When the break lights are lit up they travel around the exterior of the tail light pattern giving off a nice wrap around feel. The rear of the Optima is stylish and has a very upscale look, not enough to save the front however. All and all this is a step in the right direction for the Optima.
2011 Kia Optima
Grade: 8
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