The magnificent new Kia Optima becomes the first Korean-built car that achieves 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. It’s already been awarded as IIHS “Top Safety Pick” as well.

2011 Kia Optima achieved the highest possible score in the latest crash tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s NHTSA. That’s largely owed to the car’s great levels of standard safety equipment and technologies.

On the list of standard safety features you come across items like six airbags(1) (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, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).  Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), ESC, a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

“As the most recent addition to Kia’s lineup, the 2011 Optima incorporates some of Kia’s most advanced safety technologies with head-turning style, performance and comfort to provide consumers with high value and peace-of-mind,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors America (KMA) and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG).  “As the first Korean-built vehicle to be awarded a five-star crash safety rating under NHTSA’s new, stricter guidelines, Optima creates a new benchmark in the segment and underscores Kia’s commitment to offering consumers the highest levels of quality and safety in all of our vehicles.”