2011 KIA OPTIMA NAMED "TOP SAFETY PICK" BY INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY
SAFETY

All-New Midsize Sedan Receives Highest Recognition from IIHS

• Optima receives top ratings for front, side, rollover, and rear impact protection
• Stunning midsize sedan becomes fourth new-generation Kia vehicle to be named "Top Safety Pick"

IRVINE, CA, Dec. 23 /CNW/ - Building on the momentum of Kia's growing lineup of new generation vehicles, the all-new 2011 Kia Optima midsize sedan has received the highest possible crash safety rating of "Good" in all four tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and has been recognized as a "Top Safety Pick," the top award handed down by the organization. 

"To have the all-new 2011 Optima receive this tremendous accolade in advance of our Canadian launch is truly exciting news and further supports Kia's commitment to safety" said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "The IIHS 'Top Safety Pick' completes our philosophy on our current design-led transformation which includes world-class quality and design, industry-leading safety standards and cutting edge technologies. We are expecting the all-new 2011 Optima to resonate well with Canadians and further elevate the Kia brand."

The 2011 Optima joins three Kia products that were previously named Top Safety Picks including the  2010 Soul, all-new 2011 Sorento compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV) and all-new 2011 Sportage CUV.

Ratings from the Institute are based on results from front, side and rear impact crash tests, as well as a new-for-2010 roof strength test to measure occupant protection in the event of a rollover.

Each vehicle's overall evaluation was based on various measurements specific to each crash angle and overall impact on crash test dummies inside the vehicle at the time of collision.  All vehicles must offer Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to be eligible.

The 2011 Optima comes equipped with a high level of standard safety features.  This includes six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).  Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), ESC, a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, the 2011 Optima will offer a wide array of standard and available convenience and luxury as well as impressive technology features like UVO powered by Microsoft® , an advanced in-car communications and entertainment system with rear-view camera, AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks and available with three all-new and fuel-efficient engines, a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo or a 2.4-liter hybrid (late availability).

Design-Led Transformation and Product Line

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in Canada's market share.  Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology such as the soon-to-come UVO powered by Microsoft® in-car hands-free entertainment system.  The launches of the 2011 Sorento CUV, the first vehicle to be assembled* at Kia's first U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia, the dynamic 2011 Sportage compact CUV, sophisticated 2011 Optima midsize sedan and versatile Forte 5-door hatchback further enhance the lineup. 

Kia's model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Borrego SUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte5 Door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback, Rondo urban utility vehicle and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Canada Inc.

Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte and Sorento through a network of 168 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 140 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia Motors Corporation continues to showcase the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles.

For further information:

Kia Canada Inc. Media Contact:
Jack Sulymka
Public Relations Manager
(O): 905.755.6266
(C): 905.301.6207
e-mail: [email protected]