Getting the most of your money is all the rage now that the word "stagflation" is popping back into conversations.

The Kia Optima EX is a mid-size family sedan that does a pretty good job of stretching a buck.

Photo by Kia (ENLARGE)

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Good fuel economy, five-star safety ratings, heated leather seating, fairly kicking sound system and other niceties are packaged for a sticker price of less than $24,000.

Driving thrills aren't included in the bargain price, however.

The interior of the Optima EX, the more loaded of two available trim levels, is surprisingly upscale given the sticker price.

The heated, leather power seats seem like they were yanked out of a $40,000 car. The fit and workmanship of the interior trim is good, but the plastic trim dampens any sort of luxury vibe.

Starting with the driver's seat, this is a comfortable car, filled with features designed to make day-to-day driving more pleasant.

Things like automatic temperature control, automatic headlights and auto dimming rear view mirror are nice to have around.

But understand Ñ this is a car you drive to get to work, not to get your ya-yas. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 162 horsepower, adequate for typical driving. If you want more oomph, an optional V-6 delivers 182 horsepower.

The Optima was redesigned and given a slightly longer wheelbase of 107.1 inches.

That means there is a generous amount of legroom for rear passengers.

All but the power forwards in your group will be comfortable.

The trunk is nearly 15 cubic feet and the backseats fold down for even more cargo space.

This should be a good car in the crunch with five-car federal government crash test ratings for both frontal and side collisions.

Standard equipment includes full-length side curtain air bags. Oddly, you have to pay extra for electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.

That $600 option package also includes traction control and brake assist. Another option worth considering is the upgraded Infinity sound system. If only satellite radio were available.

Kia must figure these iPod things are for real. The 2008 Optima offers an auxillary audio input jack for the first time.