The Kia Seltos is a compact SUV that has become a crowd favourite in the Indian automobile market since its launch in 2019. With over 25,000 units sold in the first three months of 2023, the car quickly became one of the highest-selling SUVs in the country, thanks to its stylish design, premium features and impressive performance. However, one area where the Seltos has been the subject of scrutiny is its safety rating.
In 2023, the safety rating of the Kia Seltos continues to be a topic of interest for potential buyers and automotive enthusiasts alike. The car was tested by the Global NCAP, an independent body that conducts crash tests to evaluate the safety of vehicles sold in India. The organisation tested the entry-level HTE variant of the Seltos, which comes with 2 airbags and ABS as standard. The results were not entirely positive, with the car receiving a 3-star safety rating for adult occupant protection and a 2-star safety rating for child occupant protection.
Despite the Seltos being a popular choice among car buyers in India, its safety rating is certainly something to consider when purchasing the car. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the Kia Seltos safety rating in 2023, examining the results of the latest crash tests and delving into what they mean for the car's overall safety profile. Without further ado, let's get started!
Kia Seltos NCAP Safety Rating Video
https://youtu.be/OPjqzRhTz-0
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Kia Seltos Adult Occupant Protection Rating
The Kia Seltos SUV received an overall 3-star rating for adult occupant protection in the Global NCAP safety test. The report found that the car provides adequate head and neck protection for both the driver and front passenger. However, the driver's chest received only marginal protection, while the passenger's chest protection was good. The driver and passenger knees also received marginal protection, as they could potentially hit dangerous structures behind the dashboard.
In terms of leg protection, the driver's shinbone showed weak and adequate protection, while the passenger's shinbone showed good and adequate protection. The bodyshell and footwell area were both rated as unstable, meaning they may not be able to withstand additional force in the event of a collision. The Kia Seltos offers standard seat belt restraint systems for both driver and passenger.
Kia Seltos Child Occupant Protection Rating
According to the Global NCAP report, the Kia Seltos offers poor protection for child passengers. During the impact test, the child seat for the 3-year-old was unable to prevent excessive forward movement and offered poor head protection, although the chest was well-protected. On the other hand, the 18-month-old child restraint systems (CRSs) installed with an adult belt and facing the rear showed good head protection and protected the chest wall.
However, the CRSs were not recommended by the manufacturer. It is important to note that the vehicle does not offer 3-point seatbelts in all seating positions. As a result, the Kia Seltos received only two stars for child occupant protection. It is advisable to take extra care when travelling with young children in this vehicle.
Kia Seltos Safety Assist Test
The Kia Seltos underwent the Safety Assist test conducted by Global NCAP and scored a respectable three stars out of five. The car was equipped with standard safety features such as seatbelts, ABS, and front airbags for the driver and passenger. Additionally, it also has features such as electronic stability control (ESC), seatbelt reminder, and a speed alert system. The car's ESC system performed well, preventing loss of control during the test.
The seatbelt reminder system for the driver is standard, while it is optional for the front passenger. The car also has a speed alert system which warns the driver when they exceed a certain speed limit. Overall, the car's safety assist features were found to be adequate, but there is still scope for improvement in areas such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (LDW), and blind-spot detection (BSD).
Kia Seltos Motorcyclist Safety Test
The Global NCAP also conducted the Motorcyclist Safety Test for the Kia Seltos, evaluating the car's ability to detect and avoid collisions with two-wheelers. The car's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) were put to the test, including AEB, LDW, and BSD. The car's AEB system performed well, avoiding collisions with the target motorcycle at various speeds. The LDW system was found to be adequate, warning the driver when they unintentionally drift out of their lane.
However, the BSD system was not available on the tested model. The car's high-resolution rearview camera and parking sensors were also evaluated, and they were found to help detect obstacles around the car. Overall, the Kia Seltos scored four stars out of five in the Motorcyclist Safety Test, proving that the car's ADAS features can assist the driver in avoiding collisions with two-wheelers on the road.
Kia Seltos Safety Features
The Kia Seltos is packed with advanced safety features to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers. These features include dual front airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), hill-start assist control (HAC), rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines. In addition, it comes equipped with front and side curtain airbags, rear disc brakes, vehicle stability management (VSM), and a brake assist system (BAS).
Other features include an advanced high-strength steel body structure, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a speed-sensing auto door lock, and an impact-sensing auto door unlock. It also features a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a driver attention warning (DAW) system, and a lane departure warning system (LDWS).
In summary, the Kia Seltos is designed with a comprehensive range of advanced safety features, including airbags, ABS, ESC, HAC, and a rearview camera, to ensure the safety of its passengers. The table below lists all of the safety features of the Kia Seltos in an easy-to-understand format.
Safety Feature | Description |
Dual front airbags | Protect driver and front passenger in case of a collision |
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) | Prevents wheels from locking up during hard braking |
Electronic stability control (ESC) | Stabilises vehicle during cornering and prevents skidding |
Hill-start assist control (HAC) | Prevents the vehicle from rolling back on an incline |
Rear parking sensors | Alert driver to obstacles when reversing |
A rearview camera with dynamic guidelines | Provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle |
Front and side curtain airbags | Provide additional protection for occupants in case of a collision |
Rear disc brakes | Provide improved stopping power |
Vehicle stability management (VSM) | Enhances stability during sudden braking or changes in direction |
Brake assist system (BAS) | Applies maximum braking force in an emergency |
Advanced high-strength steel body structure | Provides additional strength and rigidity to the body |
ISOFIX child seat anchors | Ensure secure installation of child seats |
Speed sensing auto door lock | Automatically locks doors when the vehicle reaches a certain speed |
Impact sensing auto door unlock | Automatically unlocks doors in case of a collision |
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) | Alerts driver to low tire pressure |
Driver attention warning (DAW) system | Alerts driver to signs of fatigue or inattention |
Lane departure warning system (LDWS) | Alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane |
The Bottom Line
As we conclude our exploration of the safety features of the Kia Seltos, it's evident that this car is a good contender when it comes to providing a secure and safe ride. From the standard DAW system for drivers to the rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, a lot of these features are intended to ensure your safety and give you peace of mind.
However, the charm of the Kia Seltos isn't just limited to its safety. With its bold and modern design, well-crafted interior, and powerful engine, this car is a joy to drive. And with its state-of-the-art technology, such as the smart cruise control and the lane departure warning system, you'll have the confidence to take on any road.
In conclusion, the Kia Seltos is a car that you'll be proud to own, and one that will keep you and your passengers safe and secure on the road. So why not book a test drive today and experience the Kia Seltos for yourself?
FAQs
Q. What is the Global NCAP rating of Kia Seltos?
The Global NCAP rating for the Kia Seltos varies depending on the specific model and region. However, the most recent rating by Global NCAP in India gave the Seltos a three-star safety rating for adult occupants and a two-star rating for child occupants.
Q. Which Kia car has a 5-star safety rating?
The Kia Carnival is the only Kia car that has a 5-star safety rating. The rating was awarded by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) for the 2021 model.
Q. What are the standard safety features of Kia Seltos?
The standard safety features of the Kia Seltos vary depending on the specific model and region. However, common standard safety features include a suite of airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist control, and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features may include blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. It's always best to check the specifications of a specific model to see which safety features are included as standard or optional.