2006.5 Kia Optima LX

The all-new 2006.5 Optima is Kia's entry in the mid-size market, which is currently ruled by the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Chevrolet Malibu. Kia is owned by Hyundai, and the Optima is similar to the Sonata in many ways -- including the fact that it gives you a lot of equipment for very little dough. But the Optima's charms go well beyond value: It's roomy and quite good to drive.

I imagine that fielding any competitor to the Toyota Camry, America's best-selling car, is a bit like stepping into the ring with Sugar Ray Leonard. It's one thing if you're an experienced combatant like the Honda Accord or Nissan Altima. But when you're a relatively small player with a history of just-OK cars, you've got to be in grave danger of soiling your boxing trunks. Unless you know you have the right stuff.

The all-new-for-2006-and-a-half Kia Optima does, indeed, have the right stuff. This is one of the best automobiles to come out of Korea ever. It's also one of the best mid-size newcomers ever. The Optima shows that Kia has learned all the Japanese automakers' moves, and it looks good pulling it off. The Optima's ace in the hole: It's better equipped and less expensive than the competition. Plus it's quiet, comfortable, solidly built and nice to drive. Viva Korea.

I don't expect the Optima to out-sell the Camry -- not by a long shot. Concerns about the Kia's build quality and low resale values (unfair though that may be) will keep it from beating the champ. But I expect the Optima to put up a clean fight -- and when they pull it from the ring, its boxing trunks will be nice and clean.