The big break for the Kia Optima was with the debut of the previous generation model during the 2012 Super Bowl.

Since then, the midsize Optima sedan has gone on to be Kia's top-selling vehicle and its first model to sell more than 150,000 units annually. And for 2016, the fourth-generation Optima is a complete redesign, with a lineup of three four-cylinder engines and two transmissions, including a new seven-speed dual-clutch that is paired with the new turbocharged 1.6-liter four cylinder.

Sold in five trim levels, all with front-wheel drive, starting prices range from $22,665 to $36,615 for the SXL turbo, including the $825 freight charge from West Point, Georgia. Today's SXT tester, with the Launch Edition package, had a starting price of $30,515, including $825 freight charge from West Point, Georgia, and was $33,215 as tested.

As equipped, the SXT was a banquet of features, including nearly every available safety technology and comfort upgrade in the car universe.

A few things are immediately noticed in the SX, the sportier trim level:

1) The suspension has been recalibrated from jarring to svelte but still with an appetite for hard cornering and flat handling. The car cruises in near silence with little road texture being transmitted through the steering wheel.

2) For the first time, a power and height adjustable front passenger seat — heated and ventilated with lumbar — is available in the Launch Edition package, $2,700. It also includes heated rear seats, panoramic sunroof, 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, Merlot leather-trimmed upholstery and a soft-fabric headliner. The package also adds blind spot detection system, rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking assist tones.

3) The interior has an immaculate presence with what appear to be high-grade materials and plastics with rich textures, stitching and meticulous panel alignment.

The SX standard equipment list exceeds that of most luxury-class, midsize sedans. Among the features are smart key entry and push-button ignition, rearview camera, navigation system with 8-inch touchscreen, front charging bin (with USB, aux-in and 12-volt plug), Bluetooth phone and audio, power driver's seat with lumbar, leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats, steering-wheel controls, HID headlights, power folding side mirrors with LED turn signals, LED taillights, and a back seat center console with USB chargers and 12-volt plug.

The only element lacking in this advanced cabin is an electric parking brake, but the foot-pumper does not impede driver footroom.

The exterior redesign maintains Optima's edgy and contemporary stance. Its dimensions are a tad larger. The wheelbase grew 0.4 inch to 110.4 inches and its width went up by 1.2 inches to 73.2. The changes allowed more cabin space with more headroom (almost 40 inches in front) more shoulder room and rear seat legroom, now a comfortable 35.6 inches. Trunk space is a half cubic foot larger, now at 15.9 cu.-ft., with a wide and low liftover.

Sightlines over the hood and shoulder are unhindered. Soundproofing is luxury class. The turning circle of 35.8 feet is remarkably tight and accommodating in congested parking. Entry and exit are comfortable and the seats are fully supportive. Ergonomics are logical and even improved. There are dials and buttons to make adjustments — without confusion.

The 245-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo has a hunky 260 foot-pounds of torque at 1,350 rpm, which, essentially, is full power away from the light. The six-speed Sportmatic transmission rolls through shifts with precision and quick downshifts when needed. There are Eco and Sport modes and even paddle shifters, which I really didn't bother with to finesse power or economy. The Sport mode is a swift slap to the flank that was almost too edgy except for when carving up a favorite back road. Fuel economy is good at 22 mpg city, 32 highway and 26 mpg combined on 87 octane or higher. I was averaging 27 mpg and higher. And the generous fuel tank of 18.5 gallons gives a wide cruising range.

The entry LX and midrange EX models have a 185-hp, direct-injection 2.4-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic with fuel economy of 25/37/30 mpg. But the LX with the new 178-hp, direct-injection and turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder could become the commuter special. With the new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (trickle down from parent company Hyundai), it has fuel economy of 28/39/32 mpg, which could provide more than 550 miles of range.

Four-wheel disc braking is confident from 12.6-inch vented front discs and11.2-inch solid rear. Other safety features include seven air bags and vehicle stability management.

For those who want it all, begin here.

2016 Kia Optima

—Body style:mid-size, 5-passenger, front-drive sedan

—Engine: 245-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo

—Transmission: 6-speed automatic

—Fuel economy: 22/32 mpg city/highway, 87 octane

—Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons

—Cargo space: 15.9 cubic feet

—Front head room: 40 inches

—Rear head room: 35.6 inches

—Length/wheelbase: 187.8/110.4 inches

—Curb weight: 3,777 pounds

—Turning circle: 35.8 feet

—Standard equipment includes: smart key entry and push-button ignition, rearview camera, navigation system with 8-inch touchscreen, front charging bin (with USB, aux-in and 12-volt plug), Bluetooth phone and audio, power driver's seat with lumbar, leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats, steering-wheel controls, HID headlights, power folding side mirrors with LED turn signals, LED taillights, and a back seat center console with USB chargers and 12-volt plug.

—Safety features include: 7 air bags, and vehicle stability management.

—Base price: starting prices range from $22,665 to $36,615 for the SXL turbo, including the $825 freight charge, $33,215 as tested.

—Where assembled: West Point, Georgia

The 245-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo has a hunky 260 foot-pounds of torque at 1,350 rpm, which, essentially, is full power away from the light.

Mark Maynard is online at mark.maynard@sduniontribune.com. Find photo galleries and more news at Facebook.com/MaynardsGarage. To find out more about Mark Maynard and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

The 245-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo has a hunky 260 foot-pounds of torque at 1,350 rpm, which, essentially, is full power away from the light.