Much more affordable than German and Japaneses' cars, Kia's all new 2011 Sportage has become a world class ride.  Starting at around $18,000 (with options allowing you to hit upwards of $29,000) the Sportage has become a world class ride. The new Sportage's sharp lines, chrome window trim and sculpted tail give it a sleeker look, almost like a larger Kia Soul. Under the hood, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder  performs just as well in the heat of summer as it does during winter months.

And the inside is also improved and nicer looking that the previous years: sequential automatic transmission, heated and cooled seats, a sunroof, Bluetooth, a backup camera built into a touchscreen navigation system, Sirius radio and traffic, hill descent control and a push-button starter.

Kia is also offering a redesigned Optima, and critics are raving. This comfortable mid-sized comes starts at around $19,000, and may reach up to $29K with a premium options package.

The 2011 Kia Optima now offers more angled, "German-like" designs, with a 2.4L engine that produces an astounding 200 horses (in the standard version) and 274 with the turbocharged option, with an average 34 mpg. Kia also promises a hybrid variant soon.

Test drive the Sportage or the Optima from Kia at your local dealer: Bay Automotive - 6970 North Military Highway, Norfolk, Virginia 23518.