Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants 2007 Kia Sedona a ?Top Safety Pick? Award

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named its Top Safety Picks for this year, and the 2007 Kia Sedona is among the thirteen total vehicles chosen throughout the industry. Joined by the Hyundai Entourage, the Kia Sedona was one of two winners in the ?Minivan? segment.

The Top Safety Pick Award requires a vehicle to achieve a ?Good? rating ? the top honor ? in front impact collision safety, side impact safety and whiplash protection due to rear impacts. To be considered, a vehicle must be equipped with electronic stability control, at least optionally, as the IIHS and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) believe stability control in every vehicle could save 10,000 lives annually in the United States. Last year?s ?Gold? and ?Silver? safety ratings have been replaced by the single and more stringent ?Top? rating.

Source: CNN Money

Image: Kia

Five-star NHTSA crash rating granted to 2007 Kia Optima sedan

The U.S. Department of Transportation?s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the Kia Optima five-star ratings for both frontal and side impact collisions. All seating positions earned the highest distinction available by the NHTSA.

Kia Optima arrives with six standard airbags, including full length curtain units protecting outboard passengers in both rows. Whereas as some manufacturers vary safety equipment according to trim level and price, Kia outfits all Optima models with maximum coverage.

Previously this year the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Kia Optima ?Good? in terms of front and side impact protection, again the highest possible mark. These awards effectively solidify Kia?s position as a manufacturer of supremely safe vehicles.

Source and image: Kia

2007 Kia Rio earns two Edmunds.com ?Editor?s Most Wanted? awards

Both the sedan and hatchback versions of the 2007 Kia Rio were awarded the Edumunds.com ?Editor?s Most Wanted? distinctions in their respective classes. The ?Most Wanted Sedan Under $15,000? award went to the Kia Rio, while the ?Most Wanted Wagon Under $15,000? prize graced the Kia Rio5.

Since 1999, Edmunds.com has granted Most Wanted status in over 30 different market categories. Most Wanted cars and trucks are those vehicle that editors would park in their own driveways. Both Kia Rio models shined because of their ?pleasant drive, useful features and overall comfort.?

Source and image: Kia