Kia Sonet has received a 1-star adult occupant protection rating and a 3-star child occupant protection rating in the latest Global NCAP crash tests conducted under the Safer Cars for Africa programme. The tested vehicle was manufactured in India and assessed for the South African market.
While the result may raise concerns, it is important to note that the South African-spec Sonet tested by Global NCAP differs significantly from the version sold in India. Kia India currently offers six airbags as standard across the Sonet range, whereas the tested African-market model had a more limited safety equipment package.
1-Star Adult Occupant Protection
In the frontal offset crash test, Global NCAP noted that protection for the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck was good. Driver chest protection was rated as adequate, while passenger chest protection was rated as good. However, protection for the knees was rated as marginal due to the possibility of contact with hard structures behind the dashboard.
A key concern highlighted in the report was the structural performance of the vehicle. Global NCAP stated that the footwell area was unstable and that the bodyshell was “not capable of withstanding further loadings.”
In the side impact test, protection for the head and pelvis was rated as good, abdomen protection was adequate, while chest protection was rated as poor. This poor chest protection significantly impacted the overall adult occupant score. The side pole impact test was not conducted because the tested vehicle did not offer side head protection airbags as standard equipment.
Child Occupant Protection Rated 3 Stars
The Sonet achieved 28.57 points out of a possible 49 points for child occupant protection, resulting in a 3-star rating. Both the 18-month-old and 3-year-old child dummies received full protection in frontal and side impact tests when secured in rearward-facing child restraint systems using ISOFIX anchorages.
However, the overall child safety score was reduced due to several factors. Global NCAP noted the absence of three-point seatbelts in all seating positions, the lack of a passenger airbag deactivation switch for rearward-facing child seats, and limitations in child restraint system installation across certain seating positions.
Safety Equipment Differences Matter
According to the report, the tested South African-spec Sonet was equipped with frontal airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters as standard. However, side curtain airbags, side chest airbags and several advanced safety technologies were either optional or unavailable on the tested version.
In comparison, the India-spec Kia Sonet was updated to offer six airbags as standard across all variants. Depending on variant, the Indian model is also available with a wider range of safety technologies including ADAS features, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management and other driver assistance systems.
Context For Indian Buyers
While Global NCAP’s latest result applies specifically to the South African-market Sonet tested under the Safer Cars for Africa programme, it serves as a reminder that crash test ratings can vary significantly depending on market specifications and safety equipment levels. Buyers should therefore consider the exact variant and safety features offered in their respective markets rather than directly comparing ratings across different regions.
