Kia Carens secures 3 stars each for adult and child protection at Global NCAP tests, the tested model had 6 airbags
The entry-level Maruti Suzuki Ertiga-rivalling MPV from Kia, Carens, has secured a mediocre 3 stars at the Global NCAP crash test assessment under the organisation’s ‘Safer Cars for India’ programme.
This result doesn’t come as a surprise as even the much costlier C+ segment SUV from the Hyundai Group’s subsidiary, Seltos, got the same number of stars earlier.
To make matters worse, the tested Carens had 6 airbags. For reference, Toyota Urban Cruiser got 4 stars with just dual airbags alone.
However, the MPV can’t be deemed completely unsafe as the protection offered to the driver and passenger head and neck were good. But, while the protection offered to the passenger’s chest was good, the same wasn’t the case with the driver.
The front passengers’ knees were also just marginally protected as they can impact with dangerous structures behind the dashboard supported by the transfascia tube. The driver’s tibias had adequate and good protection though.
The bodyshell and footwell area were rated as unstable and they were not capable of withstanding further loadings. The car offers standard seat belt reminder for driver and passenger. The UN95 test showed that the car could pass the requirements.
A child seat for a 3 year old was installed front facing with ISOFIX and top tether and it was not able to prevent excessive head excursion during the impact, offering poor protection to the head and fair to the chest.
Then, a child seat for a 1.5-year-old was installed rear facing with ISOFIX and support leg. It was able to prevent head exposure during the impact offering good protection to the head and chest.
Child restraint systems (CRS) marking was ok. The recommended CRSs did not show incompatibilities.
The vehicle does not offer 3 point belts in all seating positions (lap belt in the rear centre position). ISOFIX anchorages in the rear outboard positions but were not marked according to Global NCAP requirements.