Kia Optima GT Not Tested By ASEAN NCAP As Initially Claimed

With reference to a recent statement issued by ASEAN NCAP that the Kia Optima GT was never tested by their organisation, official distributor Naza Kia Malaysia has clarified that the 5-Star rating was in fact awarded by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) and not as erroneously mentioned in Naza Kia Malaysia's press release as 'Asian NCAP'.

In an official statement issued by the company, Naza Kia Malaysia acknowledges the error made in its press materials and officially apologizes for the mistake.

ASEAN NCAP stated, "Recently, we have been receiving queries from the public regarding the status of Kia Optima, whether it has ever been tested by the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries or ASEAN NCAP. This was based on a series of articles published by several mainstream newspapers and also a few online automotive news portals several months ago. The articles stated that the said model received 5-Star ASEAN NCAP safety rating."

They added, "We regret to inform that ASEAN NCAP has never assessed Kia Optima GT. The only Kia cars tested by ASEAN NCAP was Kia Picanto (for Thailand and Malaysian market) and Kia Morning (the model shares similar platform as Picanto but for Indonesian market). We urge the public to always check ASEAN NCAP website for the correct rating."

The 2018 Kia Optima GT, first launched locally in May, holds a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating, and qualifies for the American based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ of 2018. However, models sold in Malaysia are right-hand drive, with different specifications, so direct comparison with NCAP scores of overseas models of any make should generally be avoided.

Results from the local market's NCAP organisation always takes higher precedence. Additionally, Euro NCAP prohibits the use of its name in marketing materials in markets outside of Europe.

The Kia Optima GT is offered here with 6 airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) as standard.