Nanaimo, BC -- (SBWire) -- 02/01/2011 -- Harris Kia, a prominent Nanaimo Kia dealership serving the Duncan area, is happy to announce that the all-new 2011 Kia Optima midsize sedan, arriving soon at Harris Kia, 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. This prestigious award is much sought after among the entire auto industry

"We are honored that the all-new 2011 Optima has earned the IIHS 'Top Safety Pick', joining five other Kia products and underlining the brand's dedication to the highest levels of vehicle safety and quality," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA).

"Kia's design-led transformation has been delivering stylish new vehicles that combine outstanding performance and innovative technologies and convenience features with a long list of standard safety equipment, and the highly anticipated Optima will further increase consumer awareness and consideration of Kia and attract new customers to the brand."

The 2011 Optima, available at this Duncan serving Kia Dealer, joins five Kia products that were previously named Top Safety Picks including the 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle, 2010 Forte compact sedan, 2011 Sorento compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV), 2011 Sportage CUV, and Sedona minivan. The Sedona was the first Kia vehicle to receive the IIHS "Top Safety Pick," along with the "Safest Minivan Ever Tested" distinction in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

A Top Safety pick offered to Duncan Kia drivers

The 2011 Optima, coming soon to Harris Kia and serving the Duncan Kia market, was put through more rigorous testing than previous years. 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, soon offered to Duncan Kia drivers, comes equipped with a high level of standard safety features, as is the rest of the Kia line-up. 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, 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.

Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, the 2011 Optima offers a wide array of 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 two all-new and fuel-efficient engines, a 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter turbocharged DI (a hybrid engine also coming soon).

Stop by Harris Kia, a Kia dealer serving Duncan BC, today to get a look at the great vehicles on their lot. For more information, please call 888-440-9471 or visit http://www.harriskia.ca.

About
Harris Kia is proud to be recognized as a leading authorized Kia dealership. Always the first to know about the latest Kia vehicles and promotions, they provide their staff with all the resources they need to provide you with the most informed decision when buying a Kia vehicle. You'll find Kia a sporty and fun vehicle to drive with standard features other manufacturers don't dream of including. They believe experience is everything and it all starts with a no obligation test drive.

Contact:
Harris Kia
2575 Bowen Road
Nanaimo, BC V9T 3L4
888-440-9471