Moving upstream a bit, the Kia Optima SX Turbo provides some real power and driving refinement in a midsize car at a reasonable price. It also demonstrated how things have changed for Kia, which has quickly gone from a niche player to a major automaker on the world stage.

The upgraded Kia Optima gets the distinctive styling of a premium sedan. (Photo Kia)

While driving the sleek-looking Optima, I came up behind another Optima of a couple generations ago, which was plump and sodden-looking, boring and generally unappealing. Not at all like the sharp-edged standout that I was driving. What a difference just a few years have made for Kia.

With expressive and edgy styling that pushes the limits, plus a high level of premium equipment at a reasonable price, the Optima has mounted a solid challenge against the likes of Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. Add to that a plush yet sporty interior that’s loaded with desirable features at a price just above $30,000 for the highly optioned test car, and you have a winner.

The turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine is strong and refined, generating 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 pound-feet of torque at a low 1,750. In other words, there’s no way you’d miss having a V6. And fuel mileage is an impressive 22 city and 34 highway, according to EPA.

Optima's interior can be optioned up with all the trimmings for about $30,000. (Photo: Kia)

Optima also offers a premium driving experience that feels more dialed in than its competitors, with firm handling and solid braking. The only downside is the electric-assist steering that feels numb and featureless, as most of this type do, although response is quick and the car goes where you point it.

And there is one weird aspect to the styling: the 18-inch Sport Design alloy wheels look nice, but they appear startlingly similar to those from Hot Wheels toy cars.

Pricing for the Optima begins at around $19,000 for the base LX model, with the very well-equipped SX Turbo that I drove starting at $26,000. The test car also had $4,150 worth of options, including navigation, an eight-speaker Infinity premium sound system, panoramic sunroof, and heated and cooled front seats.

All in, this premium midsize car cost $30,840 including shipping, another undercut of the competition.

And while bargain pricing was once the only edge for Kia and Hyundai, these two cars prove yet again that the South Koreans are on top of the game in style, performance and quality.

Details

Kia Optima SX Turbo

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door sedan, front-wheel drive.
Engine: 2-liter turbocharged inline-4, 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 269 pound-feet of torque at 1,750.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic with manual shift.
Wheelbase: 110 inches.
Overall length: 190.7 inches.
Curb weight: 3,223 pounds.
EPA mileage rating: 22 city, 34 highway.

Hyundai Veloster

Vehicle type: Four-passenger, three-door hatchback, front-wheel drive.
Engine: 1.6-liter inline-4, 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm, 123 pounds-feet of torque at 4,850 rpm.
Transmission: Six-speed manual.
Wheelbase: 104.3 inches.
Overall length: 166.1 inches.
Curb weight: 2,584 pounds.
EPA mileage rating: 29 city, 40 highway.

Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at