2006.5 Kia Optima LX

• Interior design rivals Japanese competitors
• Excellent value-for-money
• Strong and quiet 4-cylinder engine
• Lots of equipment for a ridiculously low price
• Side curtain airbags standard on all models

• Antilock brakes and skid control not available in base model
• Manual transmission has a numb clutch and clunky shifter
• Killer depreciation

• Available as a 4-door mid-size sedan
• $16,955 base, $17,040 as tested
• 2.4 inline 4, 161 hp @ 5800 RPM, 164 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM, 5-speed manual (5-speed automatic optional)
• Front wheel drive
• EPA estimated fuel economy: 24 MPG city, 34 MPG highway
• Also available with a 2.7 liter V6 and 5-speed automatic
• Built in South Korea
• Best rivals: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata

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.

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