2010 L.A. Show: Kia rolls right into the luxury hybrid segment with new Optima

[svgallery name="2010_LA_Kia"] By John LeBlanc LOS ANGELES – Although its been available in other markets for a few months, Kia picked the import-friendly California market to debut the North American version of its new Optima mid-size sedan. Thankfully, Hyundai-Kia Motors has done a descent job trying to separate its pair of front-drive, five-passenger midsize sedans. Despite the Sonata and Optima sharing basic nuts and bolts—like the 2.4L GDI and turbocharged 2.0L gas engines, and the gas-electric hybrid that Kia claims gets better highway fuel economy than the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid—the Optima looks more aggressive on the inside and out than the more Lexus-like Sonata. No Canadian Optima pricing yet. But I can tell you right now: Kia will not charge anything near what Lexus wants for its woe begotten HS 250h…

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