2011 Kia Optima cleans up in ECOcar awards

It's lean, it's mean, and now the 2011 Kia Optima can declare itself officially green after being named the ECOCar Magazine Car of the Year with its editor calling it the most impressive car he has driven in the last year.

“It is not only a wonderful looking vehicle, nor just an enormously enjoyable drive experience. The Optima also ticks all the boxes as a responsible, economic car for a modern family, and at exceptional value,” ECOcar Editor Chris Mullett said following the announcement of the award at a ceremony in Melbourne, Australia, where the magazine is based.

Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer, Tony Barlow, said the recognition from ECOcar was particularly pleasing because of the breadth of characteristics that the COTY award recognized. “We have been told on many occasions how stylish and attractive the Optima is,” Mr Barlow said. “We have also been told by pundits in the media that the Optima is a very enjoyable drive and that it represents outstanding value. Now, with the ECOcar COTY award, we tick another box with recognition that the Optima is also an environmentally responsible car.”

In Australia, the 2.4-liter GDi Optima sedan comes in a single Platinum specification at $36,990 or about $39,400 in U.S. dollars based on today's exchange rate. American buyers get a much better deal with a fully-loaded Kia Optima starting at $22,700 with the six-speed automatic.

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