The India-made Kia Sonet for the South African market has received a 1-star safety rating in the latest Global NCAP crash tests. The compact SUV scored 21.29 out of 34 points for adult protection and 28.57 out of 49 points for child protection, earning a 3-star rating for child safety.It is important to note that the crash-tested model is not the same as the Indian-spec Sonet currently on sale. The South African version tested by Global NCAP is equipped with dual front airbags and does not get Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard. In contrast, the Indian market Sonata is offered with six airbags and ESC as standard across all variants.According to the crash test report, the Sonnet provided good head and neck protection for the driver and front passenger during the frontal offset impact test. The driver’s chest protection was rated adequate, while the passenger’s chest received a good rating. However, knee protection for both front occupants was rated mediocre. The driver’s left tibia showed good protection, while the right tibia and passenger’s tibia were rated as fair.Global NCAP also highlighted that the vehicle’s bodyshell and footwell area were unstable during the frontal crash test. Additionally, the driver’s ankle protection was rated poor, indicating areas where the structure could perform better in severe impacts. In side effects tests, Sonnet provided good head and pelvis protection. Abdominal protection was rated adequate, but chest protection was rated poor. A side pole impact test was not performed because the tested vehicle did not have side airbags.For child occupant protection, the Sonnet performed better. Rear-facing child seats provided complete protection in frontal impact tests for both 18-month and 3-year-old dummies. The child dummy also received a full safety rating in the side effect evaluation.The tested Sonet was equipped with dual front airbags, seat belt reminders, seat belt pretensioners and load limiters, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, and ESC. However, the absence of additional safety devices such as side airbags affected its overall rating.While the result may be cause for concern, buyers in India should note that this rating applies exclusively to the South African-spec model tested by Global NCAP. The Sonet sold in India includes a different safety package, including six airbags and standard ESC, making it substantially different from the version tested in this crash test.
