We drive the Kia Optima LX 1.6 turbo

Kia Optima LX 1.6 Turbo

The Kia Optima received a complete makeover a few years ago but it was getting old so Kia had to come up with a restyled version. The new version comes with new engine choices and is a very safe upgrade. We were very impressed with the new engine and the upgrades and are happy to report that the things that we liked about the old Optima are still there.

The old Optima was a great success for Kia and whenever you have such a vehicle, it is scary to mess with it because you don’t know if it will fire back and not sell at all. Because of that the refresh is very mild with the basic look of the car remaining. The wheelbase has been extended to 110.4 inches (increased 0.4 inches), and the Optima has been widened to 73.2 inches (increased 1.2 inches).

[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"]Both changes enable a roomier and more comfortable cabin with more head room, shoulder room and rear seat leg room. The increased dimensions also allow for more cargo capacity in the trunk, up 0.5 cu.-ft. from the previous-generation Optima to 15.9 cu.-ft.

The 2016 Optima comes in five versions starting with the LX powered by a 2.4 liter four cylinder. Next is our LX with the 1.6 liter turbo engine, followed by the EX which is powered by the 2.4 liter four cylinder. The SX is next up the ladder with power from a 2.0 liter turbo engine and then there is the range topping SX Limited with the same 2.0 turbo engine. So the 1.6 liter engine stands out because it is only available in one trim level. It is also the only way to get a 7 speed automatic transmission. Every other Optima comes with a 6 speed automatic.

The 1.6 liter turbo engine puts out 178 hp and is mated to Kia’s first ever 7 speed transmission. The engine tries to use the latest technology to get maximum fuel economy. While the standard LX gets 25 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, the 1.6 turbo gets 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.

Getting almost 40 mpg is very good for a non-diesel, non-hybrid car of this size. Even better is how the engine performs with very good acceleration and very little turbo lag.

Interior of the Optima

The interior of our LX was very simple with little frills. If you want more equipment, you would have to fork out more money and go for the more opulent trim levels. Still, our LX 1.6 turbo had most of the features that you would need which included a rear camera, keyless entry, and a smart trunk release. Our car only had cloth seats and did not have heated seats or anything fancy like that. But the interior never felt cheap and we never felt like we were short changed. It was very roomy with tons of leg room in the trunk and very comfortable seats for all occupants.

We have already discussed the engine but the ride is also worth mentioning. The LX 1.6 turbo may make you think that you are in a sports sedan for a second. But that thought will vanish as soon as you get to a tight corner. The Optima will remind you that its 205/65-16 tires are designed for comfort and fuel economy. There is very little grip at the limit and lots of understeer.

But honestly, if you wanted performance you would be buying at least the SX with more power, bigger and stickier tires, and the stiffer suspension. What you will get in the LX is one of the smoothest rides this side of a Lexus. The Optima is such a sweet ride for those that just want to drive in the real world of nasty roads.

The suspension soaks up bumps with ease and the cockpit is amazingly quiet. It is a great car for family travel and it never stresses its occupants. You end up arriving comfortably at your destination which is what most people want from their car.

[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"]The LX 1.6 turbo is a great package and with the rest of the Optima being as good as it is, it is really worth considering. The standard LX starts out at $22,000 while the 1.6 turbo engine will cost you $2000 more.

The base 2.4 engine actually makes 7 hp more but it gets 3 mpg less in the city and 2 mpg less on the highway. It would take you a while to get that $2000 back in fuel economy but at least the 1.6 turbo is a lot more fun than the base 2.4.

What stood out for us during our time with the LX 1.6 turbo was how good the car was for only $24,000. It makes you wonder why would you even think about spending as much as $36,000 for the top of the line SX Limited model.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE:front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED:$24,815 (base price: $24,815)

ENGINE TYPE:turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection

DISPLACEMENT:97 cu in, 1591 cc
Power: 178 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

TRANSMISSION:7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 110.4 in
Length: 191.1 in
Width: 73.2 in Height:57.7 in
Passenger volume: 105 cu ft
Cargo volume: 16 cu ft
Curb weight: 3241 lb

TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 7.3 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 19.1 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 30.9 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 7.6 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.8 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 5.2 sec
Standing Â¼-mile: 15.8 sec @ 92 mph
Top speed (redline limited): 134 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 185 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.83 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 28/39 mpg
MPG observed: 30 mpg