The mid-size sedan capping Kia's line looks stylish, stocks comfy seats in a cabin that's as spacious as best-selling mid-size sedans, and brings two engine choices including a V6 teamed to a select-shift automatic transaxle designed by Germany's Porsche. Core structural and mechanical elements -- platform, suspension system and engines -- come from the Sonata sedan by Hyundai, Korea's larger automaker and Kia's parent. Although the two cars share essential components, each appears distinctly different, with Optima dressed in a conservative exterior package and the cabin containing equipment specific only to Kia. The SE model with four-cylinder power and manual transmission has been eliminated, leaving the four-cylinder with a four-speed automatic for Optima LX and the optional Sportmatic mode for clutch-less shift control. Optima LX V6 and SE V6 use a 2.7-liter aluminum V6 that makes 178 hp through the automatic with Sportmatic shifting. Optima for 2003 wears a new face with restyled grille, fascia, bumper, hood and fenders. All editions contain standard equipment such as air conditioning, a stereo sound kit with six speakers, and power controls for windows, locks and mirrors. The SE V6 adds automatic climate controls, a steering wheel trimmed in leather and wood, Infinity audio speakers and a key fob.
