#2011KiaOptima

Not too long ago, a beauty contest in the sub-$20k segment would seem like a competition for the most attractive bar of soap. But now, Kia‘s current line-up will make you look twice.

Kia unveiled its shocking new 2011 Optima sedan at the New York Auto Show today with two impressive new engines, also offered in the Optima’s cousin, the Hyundai Sonata. The entry-level engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder featuring gasoline direct-injection (GDI) – the first use of GDI in a Kia. Output for the new 4-cylinder is rated at an impressive 200-hp and thanks to a six-speed automatic transmission, we expect similar fuel economy numbers to the Sonata – which is rated at 22/35 mpg (city/highway). Those numbers, we should point out, are best-in-class.

Kia has just released a sketch showing the interior of the upcoming 2011 Optima [Magentis] mid-size sedan, ahead of its debut at the New York Auto Show next week. The sketch shows an overall sporty design with well-bolstered seats and a driver-oriented cockpit. Highlights include a three-spoke steering wheel, stitched leather seats and navigation system with a sizable screen.

Kia has already released two images of its 2011 Optima [Magentis] family sedan before its world premiere at the New York Auto Show later this month, but thanks to an amateur spy photographer in Korea we now have a few extra shots. These new angles confirm the Optima’s handsome good looks, especially as the car still manages to look stylishly European, even without the help of a pro photographer.

Kia has just released a selection of photos of the all-new 2011 Optima (known as the Magentis in some markets), ahead of the car’s world premiere at the New York Auto Show. Simply put, it’s stunning, looking like a more premium German model with a touch of Ford Taurus muscle.

Kia has just released a single teaser image of the aggressively-styled 2011 Kia Optima (sold as the Magentis in some markets), which will debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Based on the same platform as the Sonata, this Optima is also likely to get coupe-like styling and feature Kia’s bold grille (as shown in the sketch above).

We can also expect similar engines, including the Sonata’s GDI 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with 198-hp, with a turbocharged 4-cylinder and hybrid model to follow. In fact, it’s possible that Kia will launch the 2011 Optima as a hybrid.

We’ll be sure to bring you full details on the car when it debuts at the New York Auto Show in late March.

Official release after the jump: