All-New Kia Seltos Scores 5 Star Rating At Bharat NCAP Crash Test
Kia launched the new-generation Seltos in the market this year. It has grown in size and is also based on a different platform compared to the older version. Kia had mentioned during the launch that they had worked on the build quality of the new SUV, and we now have the Bharat NCAP results that support this claim. The new Kia Seltos has passed the Bharat NCAP crash test with a 5-star rating.
The video has been shared by Bharat NCAP on its YouTube channel. In this video, the Kia Seltos SUV is seen undergoing multiple crash tests that evaluate overall build quality and occupant safety. The Seltos first goes through a frontal collision test, where it crashes into an offset deformable barrier at a speed of 64 km/h.
Upon impact, the front bumper, grille, fender, bonnet, and headlamps are all damaged. The driver-side wheel of the Seltos is also damaged in the crash. However, the cabin and the A-pillar of the SUV remain intact, and as seen in the video, the airbags deploy on time.
Interestingly, it was not just the front airbags that deployed. Even the driver-side curtain airbags opened and helped keep the occupants safe. Next was the side impact test at a speed of 50 km/h. In this test, a barrier crashed into a stationary Seltos at 50 km/h, and as seen in the video, the SUV retained its shape and kept the occupants safe. The curtain airbags deployed on time, protecting the child occupants in the rear seats. Both child dummies were placed in child seats mounted using ISOFIX points.
The third test was the pole impact test at a speed of 29 km/h, and the Seltos proved its build quality here as well. The doors, roof, and B-pillar were damaged at this speed, but the SUV still managed to keep the occupants safe.
As seen in the video, the all-new Seltos managed to protect both adult and child occupants effectively, which is why it scored 31.70 points out of 32 in adult occupant safety and 45 points out of 49 in child occupant safety. This helped the Seltos achieve a full 5-star rating.
For those who want to compare, the Tata Sierra, which falls in the same segment, scored 31.14 in adult occupant safety and 44.73 in child occupant safety. The Kia Seltos is one of the most feature-loaded SUVs in its segment. It looks distinctive and offers a variety of engine and transmission options.
There is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with manual and iVT gearbox options. Next is the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which comes with iMT and 7-speed DCT gearbox options. Lastly, there is the 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, which is available with manual and 6-speed automatic transmission options.
Kia and Hyundai are also working on a hybrid system, which will debut in the Creta and is expected to make its way to the Seltos next year. Currently, the price of the Kia Seltos starts at Rs 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom).