Not a small 5-seater sedan (size class D) is not bad aerodynamics: the air resistance coefficient is 0.29. And thanks to the increased wheelbase (+75 mm against the previous model) the cabin is spacious, at least on the front seats, where a driver and passenger over 185 cm can be comfortably seated. Boarding in the second row is not so free: there is noticeably less space for legs.
The central segment of the front panel is slightly turned towards the driver, and his seat is adjustable not only longitudinally but also in height. The multifunction steering wheel is adjustable for angle and reach; close attention is paid to ergonomics. The finishing is not conspicuous, even stingy. But materials around are of quite decent quality, as is now accepted under the Kia brand. When fully seated, the capacity of a luggage compartment is 435 liters (EPA). And if to fold backs of rear seats (divisible in proportion 60/40), the loading space considerably increases.
As for infotainment and comfort equipment, the Korean best used cars under 15000 are offered in North America in several variants. From "budget" LX to cool EX. And higher - to the sport version SX. The state of the inexpensive Optima LX has a "satellite" radio SIRIUS with CD / MP3 player, Bluetooth headset (control "from the voice"), "electric package", and cooled "glove compartment". And together with 6-speed "automatic", it is also "cruise control": it will help on a long journey. EX lineup includes also branded UVO info system (7-inch monitor) - plus leather-wrapped gearbox lever, 2-zone "climate control" and servomechanisms of adjusting the driver's seat in 8 directions. Well, the Optima EX is "packed" in such a way that nobody will think too much. "Music" Infinity6 5.1 (8 speakers) with 500 W of power.
In terms of "passive" safety, the Korean sedan is not inferior to its strongest competitors. In front, there are "active" headrests, 3-point belts for the driver and all passengers. By the way, Magentis has earned 4 stars in tests "on impact" according to EuroNCAP methodology. And also 3 stars for children's safety and one (from 4) for pedestrian protection.
In North America, the Optima comes exclusively with gasoline engines. That is, with the same 16-valve Theta II, but equipped with direct gasoline injection into the combustion chambers. Firstly, uncompressed 2.36-liter GDI: with a compression ratio of 11.3, the maximum power of the four exceeds 200 hp.  at 6300 rpm. Secondly, Theta II again, but with a working volume of 2 liters - and with turbocharging. With a compression ratio of 9.5, the turbo engine develops 277-278 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and the maximum torque is 365 Nm.
The running gear has changed too. Thus, the front Korean sedan now has McPherson struts  and kinematically perfected suspension on double wishbones ("dimensional" configuration) remained only behind. Screw springs and transverse stabilizers. And the Optima Turbo is equipped with sport shock absorbers DFD, designed to improve road holding. Tires size from 205/65R are mounted on 16-inch steel rims (LX) - but air pressure monitoring is in the "state".
But already in EX kitting, the rubber 215/55/R is mounted on 17-inch alloyed wheels. Rack steering mechanism works with an electro servo booster, brakes in the front with ventilated disks 299,8 mm in diameter, behind - 284,5 mm. ABS, ESP, and other auxiliary electronics (like Hill Assist Control - anti-rebound device of sustaining a car when moving uphill) are "standard.