2011-12 Optima

stickguy

not sure what the pictures were of, so I don't know exactly what the hatch version of the elantra looks like, but I assume it is more of a true hatchback. I think the touring is still going to be around (that I call a station wagon!)

conwelpic

I notice you posted this comment on the Kia Canada Facebook page, so we will see what kind of response you get.

dash5

Will definitely have to test drive the Sonata 2.0T. I will at least wait for the Optima to test that as well, then we'll see what the outcome is. Right now it's Optima, Sonata and Regal for me. I'm still considering a lease too if I cant find a perfect solution (or close enough!) within the next few months.

kaliforniak

I went to the OC auto show today, got to sit in the Optima EX, Sonata 2.0T and drooled at the Sonata hybrid on display. The Equus was there, too, but that's for another time.

The look of the Sonata 2.0T is rather unspectacular compared to the hybrid. If you think the regular Sonata is a woman with a figure, then you can think of the hybrid as that same women with a sexy dress on. It was that much better. All the detailed changes worked out well I thought.

Optima EX's interior is definitely on par with its competitions. I sat in all the midsize sedans today and none of them were really stand outs. No one is particularly good, or bad, they all had their draw backs. One thing I did not like about the Optima's interior was the piece that goes under the center arm rest and forms the cup holders. It felt like a piece from a 1990's Ford or Chevy, hard and cheap. Sonata's cup holders definitely looks better. There is also a piece of hard plastic on the door panels just above the Infinity speakers, I felt like Kia was "hiding" that particular piece. The center console is rock solid. Every button I pushed had good feed back. The seats can use a lot more bolstering, hopefully the SX will receive them better seats.

There were 2 Optimas on display at the show, silver and red. I thought the silver definitely looked better with the panoramic roof. A lot of people who checked out the Optima could not believe Kia is now making such good looking cars. They commented how the interior is very nice as well.

markleung

Thanks for noticing! Only if Kia Canada is as quick as responding.

Also, their "contact us" page on www.kia.ca does NOT work. In fact it has not been working for months, but I imagine nobody (but me) cares and that is why they did not know it was broken. Emails to the webmaster resulted in nothing. I guess this is the end of my Kia shopping experience.

conwelpic

I care - in what respect is the problem, it worked okay for we the last time I used it on Sept 12th and looking at that page now it appears to be okay as far as presentation and doing your entry or attachments, so other than actually posting a comment I can't see a problem.

Usually you won't get replies on weekends - they like time off too!

m6user

A lot of auto writers have been commenting on the hardness and flatness(lack of bolstering) of the front seats. You mentioned the bolstering as well. How did you find the "hardness" issue? Do you recall noticing it? How did the Optima seats compare to the Sonata seats?

Thanks for posting as yours is the first consumer impression I've read.

chuck1919

On a previous visit to a Kia dealership, I mentioned to the salesperson that I was interested in the new redesigned Kia.

He called me a few days ago and said availability looks to be around the end of November.

Don't know if this is good information, but that is what he said.

conwelpic

your location is not in your profile, so is your comment related to the US or Canada?

chuck1919

Sorry,

I am in Southern California.

dash5

The Kia website for the US says "Arriving November 2010" as well

http://www.kia.com/#/2011optima

dash5

Another mention of hard seats. So lets say this is true and I find the seats to be a bit hard, are there any good options out there to deal with that? Cushions or some such?

It doesnt sound like it's a huge deal but too many people are mentioning it.

http://blogs.automotive.com/6719580/opinion/2011-kia-optima-car-review-and-pictu- res-sporty-looks-match-sporty-drive/index.html

"Two issues of (minor) note. The first is that some of us found the driver's seat maybe too sporty ala hard. Maybe a little more cushioning?

The second involves noise. Engine noise, as mentioned above, is minimum in the Kia Optima unless revving up. Road noise was well controlled. We did note wind noise, to our surprise, which is almost (wordplay intended) unheard of in this segment. It was not especially loud (we never had to raise our voices while chatting, for example) but unexpected. It could have been our sedan's sport trim; we suspect our model was pre-production and just about to undergo finally turning before full production. "

conwelpic

based on a very low export production of 1,780 units (and only 802 units in August) for this new model, I can't see much availability of this model in US or Canada for some time unless something drastic changes.

For comparison they produced 8,466 units for their domestic market in September. Wonder if they are waiting for all the reviews before going into full production.
Based on production figures there is a good chance that all the reviews so far are based on pre-production models.

backy

You gotta be a little careful on seat cushions. Many cars, including many Hyundais and Kias, have SRS sensors in the front seat cushions. Not sure how an add-on seat cushion would affect the SRS on the 2012 Optima, but might want to look into it before using one.

chuck1

A good aftermarket shop usually can slip some extra foam in the seat. It will cost you though.

dash5

Yeah hopefully it doesnt come to that. I'm just trying to weigh my options if it turns out to be a problem for me.

backy

Understood. But with seats that have SRS sensors in the seat cushion (my two Hyundais for sure are like that), I'd be very careful about adding extra padding to any seat that has such sensors.

chuck1919

It's done all the time.

backy

Yup, a lot of things are done all the time. Doesn't make them necessarily good ideas. But everyone has a different tolerance for risk...

chuck1919

Backy, you are way over blowing the risk of adding a piece of 1" foam in a seat.....

mickeyrom

Y'know,the seats in my 2006.5 are kinda hard too,but I don't think I would want anyone to mess around with them.I wonder why they are made so hard.Maybe it's cheap leather?

backy

As I said, everyone has a different tolerance for risk. Obviously yours is higher than mine. Also, yours is higher than the authors of this web site re "SRS Precautions and Procedures" for Hondas:

Never put aftermarket accessories on the seat (covers, pads, seat heaters, lights, etc.).

http://civic.hondafitjazz.com/A00/HTML/00/SNB6E00H46400000000AAAT00.HTML

Or this one, from Volvo (which knows a thing or two about safety):

The front passenger's seat should not be modified in any way. This could reduce pressure on the seat cushion, which might interfere with the OWS (Occupant Weight Sensor) system's function.

http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/2006/2006_S80/06s80_01a.htm#pg5

So, yes, I think there is a good reason to be careful about adding extra padding to the front seats of any car equipped with SRS sensors.

chuck1919

A new cars owner's manual spends half the pages talking about how to drive. That's Lawyer's speak.

I agree putting something on top of the seat is a bad idea. However, putting a 1" thin piece of foam in to the seat bottom "properly placed" again is no big deal. You cut open the bottom cushion and properly slide it in to place.

I spoke to a sales person the other day when he went over the safety features of the car I was looking at. I asked him, "Does any body buy a car with the intent of getting in to a accident?" And least he was honest and said no. Most people care about the vehicle meeting their needs and price. This proves correct when side curtain air bags were optional. Many, many people didn't pony up the dollars.

You can fix an uncomfortable front seat.

backy

Go right ahead. I don't care diddly-squat what you do to your own car.

And I have no idea what you meant by, "Does any body buy a car with the intent of getting in to a accident?", and how it could possibly relate to this discussion.

BTW (and this is not "lawyer-speak"), a 1" foam pad applied to the top of the seat (yet under the seat fabric) is in fact on TOP of the seat, wrt the SRS sensors. In fact, from the perspective of said sensors, there is absolutely no difference if the pad is on top of or under the seat fabric. But you probably know just how to position the pad so it won't interfere with the sensors. Maybe you can even post the link to those directions, they would be helpful to others.

Heck, why not go all out for comfort and add a 2" pad, since it doesn't matter wrt safety, right?

chuck1919

You apply it under the sensors, they come right off. It's not rocket science.

backy

I see. You do aftermarket seat work for a living, yes? That would explain why you would object so strongly to someone recommending caution when adding padding to a seat.

chuck1919

You know backy I once asked you what you did for a living AND NEVER got a straight answer.

conwelpic

The result is improved aerodynamics, good handling characteristics – it’s nimble and agile - and ride quality for a mid size vehicle was exceptional.

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2010/10/18/501812.html

backy

Absolutely nothing to do with cars, specifically, nothing to do with making mods to seats in cars, or any other job that would color my opinion on any car-related matter.

Kirstie_H

Petty.
Childish.
Stop.

m6user

The topic isn't but some comments are. I actually would like to hear from someone that is a professional as to whether or not it is possible to add padding in car seats with the SRS sensors safely. I don't personally have a clue as to whether it can done without interfering with their function.

I agree with backy that it sounds touchy but I also agree that it is probably not brain surgery to make an alteration. However, a modification to an auto that could affect any safety system is playing with fire in regards to warranty and/or legal recourse in the case of a malfunction.

jlindh

m6user, you've hit the nail on the head. Anyone who arbitrarily makes a modification to anything even remotely associated with mandated safety equipment on their car is setting themselves up for a battle with the insurance company in the unfortunate event of a mishap.

As a potential buyer of the Optima, I'm hopeful that Kia will note the large number of reviewers complaining about the seats and make a manufacturing change on the fly.

m6user

I'd like to think they could do that but I have a feeling that thousands of seats are already in the pipeline and it will be midyear builds before we see a difference if not til the 2012 model year. That is if they actually believe there is a problem. It will probably be customer feedback that drives this train. I still maintain that an individual's "personal padding" may have something to do with how these seats feel and will have to test for myself.

dash5

One would think something like seats would be something to come out right away. I mean seat comfort has to be one of the top QA benchmarks no? I still go back to the cooled seats though, perhaps they necessitate something that prevents really soft seats. Who knows.

I assume the Korean K5 has the same seats we'd get in the US, that's been out since May I think? So November release will have been 6 months.

Hopefully it's not an issue.

backy

Hyundai fixed the weak horn on the 2011 Sonata pretty fast. If the seats really are a problem for prospective buyers, I think Kia will act on it pretty quick. They've gone to a lot of effort to make the Optima a strong competitor in the class, why would they let a little padding get in the way?

m6user

Agreed but sourcing a new $25 horn is a lot easier than messing with a heated/cooled seat with electric motors for adjustment. I'm certainly not saying they can't do it but it would take a lot more effort and money. The way these auto writers repeat each other I'm wondering just how hard these seats are. :confuse:

chuck1

I think this following link takes out some of the mystery about a seat that has an SRS located in it, and what exactly the sensors are -

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/27096-occupancy-sensor-srs-l- - ight.html

(You can do a copy and paste if the link doesn't work in the content of the post.)

backy

Thanks, although I already had a pretty good idea of what the OCS sensors are like in the passenger seat from seeing schematics for other cars. Kudos to the person who went to a lot of trouble to post detailed directions with lots of photos on how to replace the sensor mat on that particular model. No comments there on upgrading the seat padding, however,

I thought this comment near the end of the thread was spot-on:

wow...so detailed. all that work just to replace a sensor?

stickguy

to me, seat comfort is one of the biggest personal opinion items about a car. that, and ride I guess.

I have tried out cars I was interesting in (the 2006 Civic comes to mind) and absolutely wrote it off due to how uncomfortable the seat was.

As to hard, this is something you always heard about German cars. hard, but long haul support and comfort.

When does this car show up at dealers? Now, I am curious, and need to go try this thing out.

m6user

Takes some mystery out but that is a lot more complicated and time consuming than you suggested. Besides this example is not adding padding to a seat with sensors....it is replacing the sensor. Not really the same thing. I'll stick with what the manufacturer put in the car. I'm really not overly picky so the seat would have to be pretty darn hard if I really like the car to sway my decision.

backy

This demonstrates how personal a thing seat comfort is. Personally I find the seats of the Civic firm, but comfortable. The seats in my 1988 Civic were also firm, but comfortable. The seats in my 2004 Elantra GT are firm, but very comfortable (esp. the driver's seat with 8-way adjustment). I owned a Rabbit not long ago, and it had firm but very comfortable seats.

One person's butt-buster can be another person's heaven-on-wheels.

mickeyrom

My idea of comfort is the leather seats my old Town and Country had,Neither my Optima or the Prius have very plush seats.

conwelpic

Kia Canada says that the Optima will not be launched in Canada till spring of 2011

conwelpic

a member on another forum website, took pictures of some Optima's that recently arrived at the port in Tacoma, Washington.

dash5

It's the UAE version which looks to be the same as the S Korean K5, but I thought I'd post this because it has something good to say about interior comfort and specifically seating which I was concerned about having read some knocks on it:

http://automiddleeast.com/first-drive-2011-kia-optima/

"Comfort-wise, we spent close to two hours crossing the UAE and never felt even a twinge in the lower back – the electrically-adjustable seats are more than supportive enough and also come with a cooling function, which is good news for the Middle East market. However, we’d prefer the seat to lower more than it does, as taller drivers may find their head brushing the roof lining as we did."

And a more general comfort statement. They knock the cars performance, which I'm not worried about:

"Any good? Fantastic to look at, great value and comfortable to sit in, but disappointing on the move. The Optima is fine at a cruise but despite Kia’s claim that it’s fun to drive, it’s too woolly and vague to be involving."

I'm confident the SX will be plenty involving for my tastes. I want it to be comfortable first, while at the same time having the balls to have a bit of fun when I get the opportunities.

conwelpic

http://www.edmunds.com/kia/optima/2011/index.html#search=open.eq..amp.p.eq.cvehi- cledata%23%23-1%23%23-1%7E%7Enf12%7C%7C4b6961

Note, however, these have not been officially confirmed by Kia US.

dash5

Yah interesting to see numbers but I think they are still preliminary. For example the SX they show 2 options with the same price but one has 18" wheels and one doesnt.

So these should be showing up to dealers shouldnt they? Main Kia site says November 2010. Anyone hear anything yet?

m6user

When I did the comparator on Edmunds here it indicated the SX turbo had cloth/leather seats and the EX turbo had leather seats. I thought the SX was all leather as well but I guess I can see where the sport model may have a cloth/leather sport seat. I know the Sonata SE has cloth/leather seats. This also could be a typo as I've found several of those in the past within the Edmunds specs. Anybody know for sure?

I'm kind of thinking I like the equipment and price of the EX turbo better than SX. Don't need 18", paddle shifters, Xenon headlights, heated AND cooled seats or 4way power passenger seat. Actually, I'm not even a fan of sunroofs either so I could see an EX turbo with the tech package as a very nice and reasonably priced car.

dash5

The only thing about the SX I really like is that digital display cluster, not sure what they call it but I believe it's exclusive to the SX. I think some colors are exclusive to it as well. That said, I agree with the rest of what you said with the exception of the Sunroof which I kinda like.

m6user

I guess I never noticed the "digital display cluster". How is that much different? It's not a digital readout is it?

Sunroof is nice on occassion but I have one on one of my vehicles and very rarely use it. Had a 1996 Maxima with one and used it less than 10 times in 6 years. It's either too hot, too cold, too noisy, too much sun or not secure enough to leave open. Just not a fan but I can appreciate that many people love them.