The Kia Optima has long been an overlooked midsize sedan that, for most students, will turn out to be hand me down car. Soon that will change though, as Kia has decided to add some bold styling to the staid Optima sedan.

Though Kia has only given us a peek at of the 2011 Optima, we most certainly like the vehicle's new flavor and appeal. Featuring a new face that is somewhat similar to the redesigned 2011 Kia Sportage, the redesigned 2011 Optima remains distinctive.

Up front, projector headlamps, LED markers, and chrome are touches that bring this vehicle up-market and help distinguish it from its fraternal twin, the Hyundai Sonata. In the rear, however, is where the similarities begin to disappear, as one may have a problem distinguishing the 2011 Kia Optima from the Sonata.

Kia gave no details on the power plants that will available once the resdesigned 2011 Kia Optima goes on sale, but we're predicting that it will the same four-cylinder engine offered in the current Hyundai Sonata.

theCD's take: The new car looks better but I still can't figure out if Hyundai is supposed to be the luxury brand or if Kia is. I guess it really doesn't matter as Hyundai's seem to be for people who want a car with curves and Kia's are for people who like their cars a little boxy.