2016 Optima earns Top Safety Pick Plus under new, more rigorous standards

The all-new 2016 Kia Optima has earned the highest designation possible from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) – when equipped with optional front crash prevention. The rating reflects top scores in each of five crash-worthiness tests as well as the integration of active safety technology to aid in crash prevention. The 2016 Optima earned “good” crash-worthiness ratings and a superior rating for the optional front-crash prevention system. 

“The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety sets some of the highest standards of crash-worthiness, and the Top Safety Pick Plus designation is a significant achievement for the Kia brand and for our best-selling vehicle,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, Kia Motors America. “We are pleased that the all-new Optima received strong ratings across the range of rigorous tests set forth by IIHS. This rating validates the efforts of our engineers and the priority we place on safety for our consumers.” 

To qualify for TSP+, the IIHS testing parameters require each vehicle to earn “good” ratings in five crashworthiness tests – small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints – as well as an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention. 

The 2016 Optima takes convenience to the next level with a long list of available technologies across the model line. Standard on every Optima is a rear-camera display while SX and SXL trims offer an available 360-degree Surround-View Monitor. Available driver-aid technology includes Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Parking Assist System (RPAS), Front Collision Warning System (FCWS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), which under appropriate conditions will bring the vehicle to a complete stop to potentially avoid a collision or reduce damage. 

Conceived under the watchful eye of Kia’s president and chief design officer Peter Schreyer with modern and instantly recognizable design cues, the Optima maintains its athletic identity but rides on a chassis that is longer, wider, and stiffer for improved ride and handling, and a more spacious cabin. Available with three engine choices, including a new 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that’s mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), the Optima is more confident than ever on the road. The all-new Optima’s roomier, more luxurious cabin features an impressive level of craftsmanship that comes standard across five trim levels – LX, LX 1.6T, EX, SX and SXL.

Right now at Barnett you can lease a new 2015 Optima LX for $169 a month with $0 down! Simply pay first month’s payment, tax, title and license. A 2016 Kia Forte LX is just $139 a month with the same upfront requirements. If you need something larger, a 2016 Sedona LX minivan is just $169 a month! You also can drive a new 2016 Soul, Sorento LX, or Sportage LX for an incredible $99 a month! See your Barnett sales associate for details on all these offers.

And, of course, every new vehicle purchased comes with Barnett’s exclusive—and FREE—MILLION MILE Warranty. Ask your sales associate for all the details on that, too. Come see us soon at Barnett Kia on Highway 61 in White Bear Lake!