The Kia Optima is mechanically quite similar to the Hyundai Sonata hybrid, Kia’s corporate affiliate, but differs significantly on styling and overall looks. The Optima has a much edgier, sharply styled design and overall more premium look than the Sonata and every other car in its class.

Previewed last year, this newly styled Optima completely supplants the previous model. Longer, lower, and wider, the design is more aggressive and, in some ways, a bit overdone.

Our test car was the high-end version of the Optima hybrid, priced about $5,000 more than the non-hybrid Optima LX, and included the optional premium technology package. The premium model’s price (listing around $32,500) is reasonable considering it comes with heated and cooled perforated leather seats and heated-only rear seats. It also includes a very large panoramic sunroof, navigation with a back-up camera, power driver and passenger seats, and other goodies. All that’s in addition to the extensive list of standard features on the Optima LX model.

Inside, the first thing you notice about the Optima is the large interior with ample head, shoulder, and legroom in both front and back. Fit and finish is first rate, and the ergonomics solid. Another nice touch, the center stack of the instrument panel is slightly angled toward the driver.

Under the hood, both the Optima and the Sonata hybrid models use the same 2.4-liter Atkinson cycle gas-electric 4-cylinder engine, Kia rates its version at 206 horsepower while Hyundai’s is at 200. The Optima’s engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with a much-improved feel than the CVT (continuously variable transmission) used in most hybrid vehicles. Not only is it more fun to drive, it also yields better fuel economy on the highway than the city.

With its sharp design, appealing amenities, spirited acceleration, sporty handling, fuel economy, and excellent crash test results, the Optima hybrid is a must test for shoppers who are considering the Hyundai Sonata hybrid, Ford Fusion hybrid, or Toyota Camry hybrid.