"The International Car of the Year distinction by Road & Travel Magazine adds to the Optima's strongly stacked trophy case," said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing, Kia Canada Inc. "The world-class designed Optima continues to attract Canadian's to the Kia brand by providing an alternative in the mid-size segment that presents an unprecedented combination of design, performance, comfort, technology, fuel efficiency and value."
Road & Travel Magazine gives 10 ICOTY awards to new or existing model year vehicles with significant and/or impressive improvements. These awards are based on the emotional connection between the consumer and vehicle. The winners are chosen by the ICOTY jury, which consists of nationally renowned automotive journalists from respected publications such as MSN Autos, Car and Driver and Consumer Guide Automotive.
"The Kia Optima rose to the top of the list as the most emotionally compelling vehicle above all others," said Courtney Caldwell, Road and Travel Magazine's Editor-in-Chief. "It's functional yet sleek design as well as advanced features intertwines effortlessly with consumer lifestyles on many levels, qualities we look for when considering contenders for the ICOTY awards."
In addition to this prestigious accolade, the Optima has earned a number of awards including being named the 2012 "Car of the Year" award from Motoring TV as well as the 2012 "Best New Family Car" from Motoring TV.