The Kia Sonet has received a disappointing 1-star rating for Adult Occupant Protection in the latest Global NCAP crash tests. However, there is an important detail that Indian buyers should know before drawing conclusions about the SUV's safety.
The vehicle tested by Global NCAP was not the India-spec Sonet sold in showrooms across the country. Instead, it was the South African-market version, which is manufactured in India and exported overseas. This variant comes with only two front airbags and does not feature Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard, unlike the Indian model.
Global NCAP Test
In the crash test, the Sonet scored 21.29 out of 34 points for adult occupant protection, resulting in a 1-star rating. According to Global NCAP, protection for the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck was rated good during the frontal impact test. The driver's chest protection was adequate, while the passenger received good chest protection. However, knee protection was rated marginal due to the possibility of impact with hard structures behind the dashboard.
The report also highlighted concerns regarding the vehicle’s structural integrity. The footwell area was rated unstable, and the bodyshell was found to be incapable of withstanding additional crash loads. During the side-impact test, protection for the head and pelvis was good, abdomen protection was adequate, but chest protection was rated poor. The side pole impact test was not conducted because the tested variant lacked side curtain airbags.
For child occupant protection, the Sonet performed better and secured a 3-star rating with a score of 28.57 out of 49 points. Child dummies representing 18-month-old and 3-year-old occupants received good protection when secured using ISOFIX-mounted rear-facing child seats.
The vehicle tested by Global NCAP was not the India-spec Sonet sold in showrooms across the country. Instead, it was the South African-market version, which is manufactured in India and exported overseas. This variant comes with only two front airbags and does not feature Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard, unlike the Indian model.
Global NCAP Test
In the crash test, the Sonet scored 21.29 out of 34 points for adult occupant protection, resulting in a 1-star rating. According to Global NCAP, protection for the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck was rated good during the frontal impact test. The driver's chest protection was adequate, while the passenger received good chest protection. However, knee protection was rated marginal due to the possibility of impact with hard structures behind the dashboard.The report also highlighted concerns regarding the vehicle’s structural integrity. The footwell area was rated unstable, and the bodyshell was found to be incapable of withstanding additional crash loads. During the side-impact test, protection for the head and pelvis was good, abdomen protection was adequate, but chest protection was rated poor. The side pole impact test was not conducted because the tested variant lacked side curtain airbags.
For child occupant protection, the Sonet performed better and secured a 3-star rating with a score of 28.57 out of 49 points. Child dummies representing 18-month-old and 3-year-old occupants received good protection when secured using ISOFIX-mounted rear-facing child seats.
Real Truth for India
While the headline 1-star rating may appear alarming, it does not represent the safety specification of the Kia Sonet sold in India. The Indian version comes with six airbags as standard across all variants. It also offers additional safety features such as ESC, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill Start Assist Control, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on select variants.
As a result, this Global NCAP crash test rating applies specifically to the South African-spec Kia Sonet and should not be viewed as a direct safety assessment of the India-spec model currently on sale.
As a result, this Global NCAP crash test rating applies specifically to the South African-spec Kia Sonet and should not be viewed as a direct safety assessment of the India-spec model currently on sale.