Jerry Robbin

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

Overview

The all-new new 2011 Optima is a cousin to the Hyundai Sonata, but it definitely has its own unique personality and styling. Mechanically it is a clone to its sibling the Hyundai Sonata, which the public have had rave reviews for. The Optima comes with Kia’s  100, 000 mile limited power train 10 year warranty. The 2011 Optima features an all-new exterior and interior design. The Optima Hybrid is capable of a very impressive 35-mpg city and 40mpg highway.

Safety

1. Standard safety systems include
2. Dual front advanced airbags,
3. Front seat mounted side airbags
4. Full-length side curtain airbags
5. 3-point safety belts for all seats including front pretensioners/load limiters
6. LATCH system for child seats
7. Downhill brake/hill-start assist control
8. Front/rear crumple zones
9. Steel beams in each door
10. Tire pressure-monitoring system.

Under the Hood

A 166-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a 40-hp electric motor powers the Optima Hybrid. Total output is 206 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Optima hybrid delivers an impressive 35-mpg city/40mpg highway.

Driving Impression

One drawback for the hybrid powertrain is a slight delay before the gas engine is activated. This delay is similar to a turbo lag and detracted from the overall performance of the Optima. The motor has a whiny noise at lower RPMS, but the acceleration remained constant. The antilock brakes were good at stopping the Optima in any situation.

Inside

The interior of the Optima is modern and attractive with contemporary flowing lines. Kia Hybrid cloth seat trim, The armrest controls are neatly laid out with easy access to the power mirror, window and door locks. The center stack has a unique design for the radio and climate controls and navigation system. USB and auxiliary ports are placed below the instrument panel.

The information/entertainment system is voice-activated and controls the audio system, Bluetooth-enabled phone, personal media devices, and vehicle settings.

The seats are comfortable and hug your body while making hairpin turns. The front seats are heated and cooled, while the rear seats are heated. Optima hybrids come equipped with power fabric seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as pushbutton start and dual-zone climate controls The rear seat was comfortable and has plenty of head, and legroom.

The trunk has 15.4 cubic-foot and with the rear seat folded down can accommodate larger items.

Outside

The Optima Hybrid has a sleek stance, signature front fascia and grille. The Optima has unique styled headlights and fog lights. The Optima has flared wheel arches, and the fastback styled rear glass meets the high-mount trunk lid.  The large dual exhaust highlight this extremely well designed sedan The Optima definitely appears to be an upscale looking vehicle. The has, 18-inch alloy wheels, unique front and rear bumpers, LED taillights and a rear lip spoiler

Summary

If you are in the market for a mid size sedan the Optima Hybrid is definitely worth a trip to a Kia dealership. The Optima’s long list of options makes it a compelling choice for those who want a sedan.

Specifications

• · Engine: 2.4-liter 4cyl 200hp/186 ft-lbs torque
• · Drive: FWD
• · Wheelbase: 110in.
• · Total length: 190.7in.
• · Total width: 72.1in.
• · Total height: 57.3in.
• · Track: f/r-62.8/62.8in.
• · Turning circle: 35ft.
• · Headroom: f/r-40/37.8in.
• · Legroom: f/r-45.5/34.7in.
• · 0-60mph: 8.9 seconds
• ·Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons
• · EPA cargo volume: 15.4cu.ft.

· Curb weight: 3,206lbs

Overview

The 2012 Mazda 6 I Sport is a great value for the money (as tested at $21,865.00 )for a mid size sedan. The Mazda 6 I Sport handles and performs exceptionally well for its size  Styling is getting a little tired looking and a refreshining is due in near future. The redesign took place in 2009 so we will look forward to some updates in the future.

Safety

Safety & Security

• 4-wheel ABS
• Front and rear head airbags
• Dual front side-mounted airbags
• Child seat anchors
• Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
• Rear door child safety locks
• Engine immobilizer
• Auto delay off headlamps
• 2 front headrests
• 3 rear headrests
• Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
• Rear center 3-point belt
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Electronic brake force distribution
• Emergency interior trunk release
• Front height adjustable headrests
• Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
• Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
• Tire pressure monitoring

Under the Hood

The Mazda6 2.5L DOHC, 16 Valve WT 14 engine delivers 170 horsepower engine—and delivered 21 city and 30-highway mpg.

My Mazda 6 had a quick-shifting 6 speed manual transmission, which gave you a feeling that you were driving a sports car.

Driving Impression

Driving the Mazda 6 felt like you are driving a sports car and the ride was exhilarating and the handling was superlative. The steering on the 2012 Mazda 6 was quick and responsive and handles all road conditions. The brakes were firm and responsive without being too touchy when stopping suddenly.

The Mazda6 I Sport looks sporty with its 16-inch steel rims and wide stance. The Mazda 6 does have a soft suspension, which caused body roll a bit when turning sharp corners.

Inside

The Mazda 6 interior is classy and has rich appointments from the cloth seats to the unique patterned plastic trim.

The Mazda 6 I Sport had all the creature features you expect in a mid size vehicle such as AM-FM Sirius Radio, power steering, power windows, manual tilt steering wheel with cruise control and a center stack with all your audio and climate controls.

The manually adjusted seats are comfortable and hold you firmly in place.

The rear-seat has plenty of legroom for 6 footer!

Outside

The Mazda 6 definitely carries over the styling from the CX7 & CX9 with a wide and aggressive fender flares that bulge over the front wheels. The design has an assertive feel with a unique roofline, short rear deck and everything says Mazda 6

Summary

The Mazda 6 is a contender in its class  (Honda Accord, Toyota Camry), and has a more unique style and ride than its competition. The list of standard features on the Mazda Mazda6 I Sport is impressive and the MSRP was only $21,865!
Specifications.

Exterior

Measurements

• Width: 72.4 in.
• Height: 57.9 in.
• Length: 193.7 in.
• Ground clearance: 5.1 in.
• Front track: 62.8 in.
• Rear track: 62.8 in.
• Wheelbase: 109.8 in.
• Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 16.6 cu.ft.

• EPA interior volume: 118.5 cu.ft.
• Gross weight: 4340 lbs.
• Drag Coefficient: 0.27 Cd
• Curb weight: 3272 lbs.

Interior

Front Seats

• Front headroom: 39.4 in.
• Front hip room: 55.1 in.
• Front legroom: 42.5 in.
• Front shoulder room: 57.3 in.
• Height adjustable driver seat
• Cloth
• Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

• Rear hip Room: 55.9 in.
• Rear headroom: 37.3 in.
• Rear legroom: 38.0 in.
• Rear shoulder room: 56.5 in.
• Split-folding rear seatback
• Folding with storage center armrest
• Rear ventilation ducts

Faster Than A Speeding Bullet!

Overview

The third-generation 2011 Sportage has contemporary styling that can be recognized from any distance. The Sportage SX is faster than a speeding bullet, is stylish and spacious. Kia definitely has a winner in this totally re-designed vehicle. The SX was introduced mid year and has a 260-hp, 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo 4 cyl drive train.

Safety

• 4-wheel ABS
• Front and rear head airbags
• Dual front side-mounted airbags
• Child seat anchors
• Remote anti-theft alarm system
• Emergency braking assist
• Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
• Rear door child safety locks
• Daytime running lights
• Front fog/driving lights
• 2 front headrests
• 3 rear headrests
• Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
• Rear center 3-point belt
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Turn signal mirrors
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Front height adjustable headrests
• Rear height adjustable headrests
• Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
• Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
• Tire pressure monitoring

Under the Hood

The new Sportage SX has a 260-hp, 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo 4-cyl drive train. that produces 269 pound-feet of torque, and can catapult the vehicle from 0-60mph in a quick 6.1 seconds The SX is mated to a six-speed automatic. The EPA rating is 21-MPG City & 25 MPG Highway.

Driving Impression

The driving dynamics of the Sportage made me feel like I was driving a car rather then a CUV. The Sportage felt sporty and was fun to drive. The vehicle took any turn with easy and was responsive in any traffic situation. The Sportage has unibody construction with McPherson struts in front and a new multilink system in the rear. Te SX AWD is great during the winter and takes turns with ease. Te SX is faster than a speeding bullet and has great driving dynamics.

Inside

The word that describes the interior is stylish. The leather seats are comfortable and hug your body. The SX has a power driver’s seat and the passenger seat is manual. My SX has a heated and cooled drivers seat and the passenger seat is just heated. The instruments are nicely laid out and brightly backlit. The steering wheel has controls for cruise, auxiliary audio, and phone controls. One nice feature was the Push-button start/stop and a dual-panel panoramic sunroof. My SX came equipped with navigation with an upgraded audio system. The 60/40 rear seat folds easy and the cargo area can accommodate 26.1cubic feet of cargo.

Outside

The 2011 Sportage styling is contemporary and goes along with the new Kia styling cues found in other models. When you see a Sportage from a distance it is instantly recognizable!  The Sportage has flowing lines, sculpted body panels and the new signature Kia grill. The SX trim has LED running lights, that make the Sportage unique and intriguing.

Summary

The 2011 Kia Sportage is fun to drive, has unique styling and is definitely worth test diving if you are in the market for a CUV

The Sportage has sophistication, utility, style and all in one package
Specifications.

• Width: 73.0 in.
• Height: 64.4 in.
• Length: 174.8 in.
• Ground clearance: 6.8 in.
• Front track: 63.5 in.
• Rear track: 63.6 in.
• Wheelbase: 103.9 in.
• Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 26.1 cu.ft.
• Maximum cargo capacity: 54.6 cu.ft.

• Maximum towing capacity: 2000 lbs.
• Maximum payload: 1311 lbs.
• Gross weight: 4497 lbs.
• Curb weight: 3186 lbs.
• Angle of approach: 28.1 degrees
• Angle of departure: 28.2 deg

Front Seats

• Front headroom: 39.1 in.
• Front hip room: 53.7 in.
• Front legroom: 41.4 in.
• Front shoulder room: 56.7 in.
• Premium cloth
• Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

• Rear hip Room: 49.1 in.
• Rear headroom: 38.5 in.
• Rear legroom: 37.9 in.
• Rear shoulder room: 55.1 in.
• Split-folding rear seatback
• Folding with storage center armrest