The 2004 Kia Optima breaks no new styling ground. It's a basic three-box, four-door sedan with conventional proportions. Not a head turner by any means, it is handsomely done and presents itself well, with distinctively sculpted panels and balanced forms.Last year's bright gridwork grille has been replaced for 2004 by a simple, trapezoidal opening split by a single horizontal bar. Now flanking the grille are dual headlamps, round inboard and rectangular outboard. The description sounds busy, but the actual look is satisfying, sophisticated and vaguely European. The alloy wheels that come on the V6 models are redesigned for 2004, and EX models are accented by chrome door handles and bodyside moldings. The brightwork is well done and makes the car look richer. In fact, the Optima looks better the longer you look at it, with both an overall shape and details that are appealing.
|