Kia Optima

[KoLiKoV]

The current generation of the Kia Optima gets to carry forward for one more model year -- one year longer than its Hyundai Sonata cousin, which is being redesigned this year -- and that should be fine by most shoppers. In part, it's because the 2015 Optima was always an advanced student of design (it remains nearly the knockout it was at launch four years ago), and it continues to make the honor roll in most of its classes, with good performance, a roomy interior, and a great value-for-money factor no matter which version.

A mid-cycle revamp last year really didn't mess much with the Optima's already attractive attributes; and it's saying a lot to note that even up next to contemporary, rakish models like the Ford Fusion and Mazda 6, the Optima holds its own. Those changes were largely limited to a sharper front-end appearance, revised tail, and some new trims, with LED lighting and new LED fog lamps to be had on some of the model line. As well, there's a new EX-L (Limited) model with a plush Nappa leather interior. And this year there's a new dark-cloth interior for the base LX. 

The Optima's cabin keeps it sporty and clean, with a classy, minimalist cockpit look that reminds us of Audi's interiors of a few years ago, with a wide rectangular bank of controls canted toward the driver. New TFT instrument-panel displays and a much-needed premium infotainment display occupy some new space, surrounded by some upgraded trims.

There are three different performance flavors of the 2015 Kia Optima. All three deliver responsive, economical performance. But what might come to a surprise to some who haven't been on the market for a car for several years is that there isn't a single V-6 to be seen; it's only four-cylinder engines under the hood -- well, that and some other special hardware like turbochargers and hybrid systems in some versions. At the base level, and on all but the SX model, you get a 200-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection. It's a little coarse when you need to access its full potential, but it works well with the six-speed automatic transmission because it's plenty perky in the mid revs. Those who would have chosen the V-6 in the past will not be plenty satisfied with the sporty SX model and its 274-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. And with the new Drive Select system that's included in the SX model, you get several modes that command different transmission shift points and steering weighting.

Anyone who wants to make a big change in their petroleum habits will be quite pleased with the Optima Hybrid, with its electric-motor system and lithium-polymer battery pack that pair with a four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission (not a CVT). Last year the company made some subtle (but meaningful) changes