(March 3, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. (PRNewswire) —The all-new 2011 Kia Optima mid-size sedan has achieved an overall five-star crash safety rating — the highest possible score — after attaining five stars in each of the overall ratings categories in the latest crash tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

Already a recipient of a "Top Safety Pick" award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Optima offers consumers exceptional levels of standard safety equipment and technologies.

"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 and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. 

"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."

In all, 24 passenger cars, 20 sport utility vehicles, two vans, and nine 2011 model year pickups were rated under the new system that not only includes tougher crash tests, but, for the first time, provides consumers with a single overall safety score per vehicle.  The new testing program also provides consumers with information about new advanced crash avoidance technologies, such as lane departure and forward collision warning systems.