South Africa-Spec Kia Sonet Scores 1 Star At Global NCAP Crash Test [Video]

Kia Sonet is one of the popular sub-4-metre SUVs in its segment. It is known for its premium looks and features. Kia offers a host of convenience and safety features with the Sonet. The SUV was recently sent for a Global NCAP crash test, and the results aren’t promising. The made-in-India Sonet SUV scored a 1-star rating in the crash test. The video of the crash test has also been released by the crash-test agency.

The video has been shared by Global NCAP, and the Sonet SUV seen in the video is actually on sale in the South African market. This SUV is made in India and exported to other markets. The South African version gets dual airbags and non-standard ESC. The Indian version gets ESC and six airbags as standard.

The crash test was conducted as per the new norms, and in the video, we see the offset frontal crash and side-impact crash tests. In the video, we see that the front of the car is completely damaged, but the pillars of the SUV remain intact. The frontal airbags on the Sonet SUV deployed in time.

The frontal crash revealed that the protection offered to the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck was good. The driver’s chest showed adequate protection, while the passenger’s chest showed good protection. The driver’s and passenger’s knees showed marginal protection as they can impact dangerous structures behind the fascia. The driver’s left tibia showed good protection, while the driver’s right tibia and the passenger’s tibias showed adequate protection. The footwell area was rated as unstable. The bodyshell was also rated as unstable and was found not capable of withstanding further loadings.

In the side-impact test, the head and pelvis showed good protection, the abdomen showed adequate protection, and the chest showed poor protection. Global NCAP did not conduct the side-pole impact test as the vehicle does not offer standard side-head protection.

Both child dummies received full protection in the dynamic test, but the absence of 3-point seatbelts in all seating positions, the lack of a passenger airbag deactivation switch, and a low CRS installation score resulted in a 3-star rating for child occupant safety.

The Kia Sonet scored 21.29 points out of 34 in adult occupant protection and 28.57 points out of 49 in child occupant safety. The SUV received a 1-star safety rating. The video was posted online with a caption that reads, “The Kia Sonet's one-star result shows how far the industry still has to go.”

The Kia Sonet in India is available with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that generates 81 bhp and 115 Nm of torque. This engine option is available with a manual transmission. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine generates 120 PS and 172 Nm of torque. This engine is available with iMT and DCT gearbox options. The 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine generates 115 PS and 250 Nm of torque and is available with both manual and automatic transmission options. The price of the Kia Sonet in India starts at Rs 7.33 lakh, ex-showroom, and goes up to Rs 14.09 lakh, ex-showroom.