The second-generation Optima sedan gets a thorough make-over for the 2009 model year since its total redesign for the 2007 model year. Unveiled at the 2008 New York Auto Show in March, the car sports newly designed front and rear fascias as well as detail changes to its sides. Up front, a new bumper houses shorter headlights, a chrome grille surround and larger fog lamps and lower grilles. Around the corners, particularly the headlight area, the car reminds us of recent Acuras, and the last generation TSX in particular. Wider side skirts promote a sporty look and there are turn signals integrated into the side mirrors now. Out back, a more sculpted trunk lid and narrower taillights complete the new look. The revisions mean the car is now about 3 inches longer, with the front responsible for about two-thirds.

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Under the hood, both engine options receive a power bump, with the base 2.4 liter four-cylinder now making 175 horsepower, up from 162, thanks to variable valve timing and a variable intake system. At 169 lb-ft, the torque peak represents a 5-point bump. The 2.7 liter V6 makes 190 hp and 184 lb-ft for 2009, increases of 5 and 2, respectively. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission for the V6 and an option on the four-cylinder, with a five-speed manual as standard equipment.

The front-wheel driver sports disc brakes at all corners, but 4-sensor, 4-channel ABS remains an option. The standard wheels are 16 inches in diameter, with 17s part of the Appearance Package.

There is an LX and EX trim level, with a sporty SX added along with the restyling. All are available with the V6 engine. As in other Kia models, SX means a sport-tuned suspension, black grille and headlight trim instead of chrome, LED mirror turn signals, fog lights and hyper silver 17-inch wheels with sports-oriented tires.

Opting for the EX gets buyers projector fog lights, chrome door handles, automatic temperature control instead of run-of-the-mill air conditioning, a trip computer, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink remote, leather trim on the seats and an eight-way power driver's seat in addition or instead of the equipment you get with the LX. An integrated navigation system is an option for the first time in the Optima.

Optional on the LX are the Electronic Stability Control Package that includes Kia's ABS, Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control Systems (TCS), but you need to spec the Appearance Package first, at least on the LX models. That package nets niceties such as the 17-inch rims, blacked out headlights and grille, fog lights, supervision meter cluster, a trip computer, automatic light control, aluminum interior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob and silver-accents on the interior door handles.

The EX trim offers two more Packages, namely a Convenience combo comprised of a four-way power adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, power adjustable pedals, and a manual rear window sunshade. There is also a Premium package that pairs an audiophile Infinity AM/FM/MP3 audio system with an in-dash six disc changer, Infinity speakers including a subwoofer and an external amplifier to power it all with a power tilt / sliding sunroof.

Sirius satellite radio is standard equipment on the 2009 Optima, which should be on sale by the fall of this year.

All of Kia's offerings include a 10-year / 100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, a 5-year / 60,000 mile limited basic warranty, 5-year / 100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty and a 5-year / 60,000 mile 24-hour roadside assistance.