The Optima SX looks good and feels comfortable, but it is the engine that excited me. The 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engine with 6-speed automatic transmission and Drive Mode Select (Normal, ECO, or Sport) kept me actively tuned into the driving environment.
I marveled at how a 4-cylinder that averages 25 mpg combined could have such a quick and robust response by simply touching the accelerator. It made me downright dizzy.
Torque was an amazing 260 lb-ft between 1,350 to 4,000 rpm, and the peak 245 hp comes at 6,000 rpm.
Drive Mode Select allows you to set the tone and parameters for the drive as the 18-inch alloy wheels just keep on spinning.
The Optima drives smoothly, assisted by a 6-speed automatic with Sportmatic gear-select. In the Optima line, the LX 1.6T gets a bit more assist with the 7-speed dual-clutch auto.
As you get behind the wheel you automatically know that the cabin is designed with driver considerations in mind. The dashboard contour is laid out to allow the sleek instrument panel with a 4.3-inch color LCD display in the middle to provide a better sense of space.
