Kia Carens Secures 3 Stars In Latest Global NCAP Crash Tests

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Compared to the last time, notable improvements have been made to the Kia Carens but it could only manage to score three stars overall

The Kia Carens, previously evaluated under Global NCAP’s former protocols, attained a three-star rating for both adult and child occupant protection. However, a subsequent assessment following the updated 2022 criteria unveiled notable improvements but GNCAP said it expected more and rightfully so, as the Carens did not score full marks this time around.

Despite enhancements to the structure, heightened neck forces on the driver led to a zero-star rating for adult occupant protection, prompting Kia to revamp the restraint system to bolster neck safety this time. A review post these adjustments showcased some improvements but still fell short of Global NCAP’s benchmarks, despite the vehicle being equipped with six airbags as standard.

Consequently, the adult occupant protection rating was limited to three stars, resulting in the exclusion of the side pole impact test. In terms of child occupant protection, the vehicle demonstrated enhancements, securing i-Size approval for child restraint systems (CRS) and integrating standard 3-point seat belts in all seating positions, enhancing the Carens’ safety profile for young passengers.

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Previously, the Carens MPV scored zero stars in adult occupant and four stars in child occupant protection tests. Thus, the improvements the South Korean auto major has made have a positive impact. The protection offered to the driver’s and passenger’s heads was good. The protection offered to the driver’s neck was weak while the passenger’s neck received good protection. The driver’s chest showed adequate protection and the passenger’s chest showed good protection while the driver’s and passenger’s knees showed marginal protection as they can impact with dangerous structures behind the fascia.

Driver’s tibias showed good and adequate protection and passenger’s tibias showed good protection. The Footwell area did not show significant deformation but was found to be asymmetrical between the driver’s and passenger’s side. The bodyshell was rated as unstable and it is not capable of withstanding further loadings. In the side impact, the head, chest, abdomen and pelvis protection was good. SBR is fitted as standard for the first and second rows but only fulfils the requirements for the front row. All this explains the 3-star in adult occupant protection.

The child seat for the 3-year-old was installed rearward facing using the i-size anchorages and a support leg and it was able to prevent head exposure during the frontal impact offering full protection. The child seat for the 18-month-old was installed rearward facing using the i-size anchorages and a support leg and it was able to prevent head exposure during the frontal impact offering full protection.

Both CRS’ offered full side impact protection in the side impact. The car offers 3-point belts in all seating positions as standard in all versions. It was not possible to disconnect the
passenger airbag in case a rearward-facing CRS will be installed in this position. Marking warning consumers about the risk of rearward facing CRS in the front passenger position fulfils the requirements. The car offers two i-size positions in the second row and the second row left position is exempted by manual.