Kia Carens, the compact MPV from the South Korean automaker, underwent a recent round of Global NCAP crash tests, resulting in a 3-star rating for adult and child occupant protection. The model was tested under new protocols, demonstrating some improvements over the previous test, but still highlighting areas for concern.
In the latest crash test, the Carens showed an improvement in its structure, but the driver’s neck values were rated as poor. Additionally, protection for the driver’s chest and the driver’s and passenger’s knees was marginal.
Crash Test Video – Kia Carens
This result to a zero-star rating for adult occupant protection in earlier units of the Carens, those manufactured between May 2, 2023, and December 11, 2023. However, units produced after December 11, 2023, showed enhanced adult occupant protection, allowing the model to achieve a 3-star rating with a score of 22.07 out of 34 points. Read: Kia Plans 2 Affordable EVs (MPV/SUV) For India
The Global NCAP report indicated that while the Carens now includes six airbags as standard, limiting the car to a 3-star performance, the overall safety performance was below Global NCAP’s expectations. Due to these concerns, the Carens was not assessed for the side pole impact test. In the frontal impact test, the bodyshell integrity was deemed unstable. The MPV failed to withstand additional loadings.
When it comes to the child occupant protection, the Kia Carens scored 4 stars with a total of 40.92 points out of 49. The improved restraint system in the second round offered better protection for the three-year-old dummy. As a result, the Carens achieved a 5-star rating for child occupant protection, with a total score of 41 out of 49 points.
The standard safety features in the tested Carens include six airbags, rear disc brakes, electronic stability control, hill start assist, three-point seat belts for all seats, rear parking sensors, and Isofix anchors. In India, the MPV model lineup is available with a 115bhp, 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, 140bhp, 1.4L turbo petrol and 115bhp, 1.5L diesel engine options.
