Kia Carens Scores 5-Star at GNCAP Crash Test

Kia Carens scored 3-star for adult and 5-star for child occupant protection at the GNCAP safety assessment test. While this seems similar to its score from 2022, the MPV was voluntarily crash-tested under the new protocol. While the 2022 test required the car in its basic safety specification, the 2023/2024 protocols mandate ESP, side airbags and more to be standard on the model. Here is a detailed report on the Kia Carens crash test.
Attention Readers! Join us on Whatsapp Community for daily auto news updates.

Kia Carens: Adult Protection

According to the report by GNCAP, the Kia Carens MPV was tested twice under the new protocol. Initial in the test conducted in May 2023, the four-wheeler offered poor protection to the driver’s neck region resulting in a ‘0’ star. This triggered an immediate reaction from Kia to improve the neck performance by improving the restrain system.

In December 2023, the Carens was re-tested with the improvements to the restrain system. This test resulted in an overall 3-star rating in adult protection scoring 22.07 points out of a maximum of 34. While the body shell was rated unstable, GNCAP noted that the Carens offered good protection to the driver and passenger head in both the front and side-impact tests. Protection to the driver’s chest area was rated adequate. However, protection to the occupant’s knees was marginal as it was exposed to impact from dangerous structures behind the fascia.

Despite offering 6 airbags as standard, the curtain airbags of the Carens fail to extend till the third row. Additionally, the head restraint system for the second row was not adequate resulting in the road safety organisation skipping the side pole impact test.

Read More: Mahindra’s most unsafe SUV is here?

Kia Carens: Child Protection

While the adult occupant protection is questionable, the Kia Carens has passed the child occupant crash test with flying colours. In the first test, the Carens scored 40.92 points out of 49 points resulting in a 4-star. However, the updated restrain system improved the protection for the three-year-old dummy resulting in a full 5-star rating (41/49).

The road safety organisation noted that both child seats for the 18-month-old and 3-year-old old installed rearward using i-size anchorages and a support leg offered almost full protection. Additionally, Kia does not offer the option to disconnect the passenger airbag in case of a rearward-facing child seat. However, the company has provided clear markings warning consumers about the risk.

Talking about the Kia Carens safety rating, Alejandro Furas, Secretary General, GNCAP, said, “ We expect better performance from this model. It remains a concern that global brands like Kia, which normally achieve 5-star rating in other markets, are still not reaching this level in India”. The Kia Carens come with 6-airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, rear parking sensor and rear disk brakes as standard.

Read More: Is Honda Amaze Unsafe?