New York: 2011 Kia Optima Preview

Hyundai and Kia have come a long way - never is that more evident than in our recent review of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

While Hyundai has gone and is going far upmarket with cars like the Genesis and Equus, Kia is moving up but not quite as far (for now, at least). Vehicles like the Soul have shown a fun, sporty side of the brand that we really like.

The Cadenza was recently introduced and looks to be a strong contender in the segment. One vehicle that we never have been particularly impressed with from Kia though is the current Optima, but Kia is looking to change that in a very big way for 2011.

For one, the car is bigger, whereas the current model has always been on the small side. It follows the look of the recently-introduced Sportage very closely, and that is a good thing.

No more bland, boring Kia - this new styling language is highly modern and unique looking. Its hard not to be impressed with vehicles like this - Hyundai and Kia are proving themselves as the ones to beat right now. Only these two images were released as of right now, but expect official details to come soon.