Early this September, the first Kia Optima came off the production line at the main Kia Motors manufacturing facility in Georgia. Also this fall, the 2011 Kia Optima was widely recognized for its sophisticated and clean design. The men's lifestyle magazine Esquire took a special liking to this vehicle.

Esquire's "2011 Design and Technology Awards" recognizes the best innovations in the automobile industry for the entire year. Editors applauded the stylish simplicity of the 2011 Kia Optima, especially because it is one of the most affordable cars on the market today. The magazine also made a point to say, "A decade ago, a shape this clean and inspiring would've cost real money." Kia Motors has designed the Optima with the comfort and the wallets of their consumers in mind, with the MSRP starting at $19,950.

The 2011 Kia Optima has also received a few other awards this year including

• 2011 "Editors' Most Wanted" vehicle in Edmunds' Inside Line,
  
• 2011 "Best New Model" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  
• Placed top 10 in "Ward's 10 Best Interiors List.
• 2011 "Top Safety Pick."
  
• Five-star crash test safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA)
  

This is just the beginning for Kia Motors, but thanks in large part to the 2011 Kia Optima, Kia plans to continue their innovations in design, quality, value and safety. "The stunning design and value of the Optima has significantly increased awareness, perception and consideration for the Kia brand," ² says Michael Sprague, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Kia Motors America.

The Optima isn't the only Kia that embodies a fun driving experience at a decent price. Stop by Central Kia of Irving located at 1600 E Airport Freeway Airport, Irving, TX,  to take a test drive in the award-winning 2011 Kia Optima,  2012 Kia Forte, or the 2012 Kia Sorento.

Sources:

- ¹http://www.esquire.com/features/cars/best-designed-cars-2011-9#fbIndex2
- ²http://www.kiamedia.com/secure/corporate090611.html