Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, we don’t really get the full spectrum of seasons. That’s why I was especially totally blown away by the vivid and rich hues of yellow found on the Aspen trees round about Aspen, CO. They were so picturesque against the bright blue skies that prevailed during our stay.
Cruising Around Aspen, CO in the 2016 Kia Optima
I’ve only heard of Aspen, Colorado in the context of skiing. Never would have I imagined it to be a beautiful backdrop of an automotive launch. However, Aspen is GORGEOUS in the fall and I loved exploring the area in the new 2016 Kia Optima!
The Kia brand is definitely on the up and up. The company has gone from dead last in the J.D. Power study in 2014 to climbing to the top only four years later. Now a new factory in Mexico is being built and will begin production in 2016. To promote the new 2016 Kia Optima, a new partnership with the NBA player Blake Griffin was formed. You’ll start to see commercials with Blake and the new Optima “in the Zone.” You’ll have to see it to understand what that means 😛
Kia realizes that the Optima has a distinctive look that’s attractive to potential buyers. So, though new aggressive and contemporary features were added, the 2016 model is still instantly recognizable. The interior is slightly bigger, a stronger horizontal plane is found on the middle controls, and chairs and surfaces are covered in luxurious and soft-materials. Those on the petite side will be happy to know that an adjustable lumbar control is available on the driver seat along with a 10-way adjustable passenger seat.
Fully Loaded w/ Features
For the first time, Kia is including autonomous emergency braking and HID bending lamps (where the headlights turn when you turn the wheel). Also available are:
- Lane departure
- Smart cruise control
- 360 view backup camera
- Blind spot monitoring
- Android Auto (Apple Car Play is on the way)
- Qi wireless charging
- Enhanced UVO with Geo Fencing, Curfew Alert, Speed Alert (perfect for teens)
- Harman Kardon audio with Clari-Fi and Quantum Logic Surround Sound
There are three engine options with different trims. Choose from the 1.6L Turbo (w/ 7-speed dual clutch transmission), 2.0-L Turbo, or 2.4. The Optima LX 2.4 price is same as last years and the trims range from $21K to $35K. I have to say that the LX has a TON of standard features that would normally cost extra on other cars. It would be perfect as a first car for teens, college students, and those just entering the workforce.
All models of the 2016 Kia Optima will be available this month. Kia’s motto is “passionately designed, obsessively crafted” and, after driving the car and chatting with the product designers, I’d have to say they stand by this completely!
All travel expenses, accommodations, and activities listed were courtesy of Kia Motors. All opinions are my own.
