Kia Sonet scores 1 star in GNCAP test for South Africa! Here's why

The Kia Sonet manufactured in India 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 occupant protection and 28.57 out of 49 points for child occupant 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 India-spec Sonet currently on sale. The South African version tested by Global NCAP comes equipped with dual front airbags and does not get Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard. In contrast, the Indian-market Sonet is offered with six airbags and ESC as standard across all variants.

According to the crash test report, the Sonet provided good protection to the driver's and front passenger's head and neck during the frontal offset impact test. Protection for the driver's chest was rated as adequate, while the passenger's chest received a good rating. However, protection for the knees of both front occupants was rated as marginal. The driver's left tibia showed good protection, while the right tibia and the passenger's tibias were rated as adequate.

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 a severe impact.


In the side impact test, the Sonet offered good protection to the head and pelvis. Protection for the abdomen was rated as adequate, but chest protection was rated poor. A side pole impact test was not carried out because the tested vehicle did not feature side airbags.

For child occupant protection, the Sonet performed better. Rearward-facing child seats for both the 18-month-old and 3-year-old dummies provided full protection in the frontal impact test. The child dummies also received full protection ratings in the side impact assessment.

The tested Sonet was equipped with dual front airbags, seatbelt reminders, seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, and ESC. However, the absence of additional safety equipment such as side airbags affected its overall rating.

While the result may raise concerns, buyers in India should note that this rating applies specifically to the South African-spec model tested by Global NCAP. The Sonet sold in India features a different safety package, including six airbags and standard ESC, making it substantially different from the version evaluated in this crash test.