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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP) has given the entry-level model of the Kia Sonet sold in South Africa a 1-star adult protection rating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The score resulted from crash tests conducted in Germany on behalf of the Automobile Association of South Africa as part of its #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The insurance company anonymously purchases various popular vehicles in South Africa for independent crash tests overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While some of these cars have already been scored in other markets, manufacturers sometimes strip out key safety features in entry-level models to reduce costs before putting them on sale in South Africa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The German scientists conducting the tests found significant structural issues and a lack of side head collision protection in the Kia Sonet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The footwell area and bodyshell were unstable and not capable of withstanding further loadings,” the AA said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“In the side impact test, poor chest protection limited the adult protection rating to one star, while abdomen protection was rated as adequate.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No side pole test was conducted because side head protection airbags were not fitted as standard, which meant the vehicle automatically failed this portion of the test by default. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sonet fared better in child occupant protection, with both child dummies receiving full protection during the dynamic test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the absence of 3-point belts in all seating positions, the lack of a passenger airbag disabling switch, and a low child restraint system installation score resulted in a 3-star rating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AA CEO Bobby Ramagwede said the findings highlighted how South African motorists should exercise extreme caution when purchasing a new or used entry-level vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The recent series of crash tests has shown a worrying trend with entry-level models on sale in South Africa lacking adequate crash safety,” Ramagwede said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Perhaps more worryingly, very few of the vehicles tested offer safety ratings similar to those of the same models on sale abroad.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Global NCAP CEO Richard Woods concurred. “It is unacceptable that global manufacturers continue to sell cars in Africa with safety standards they would never offer in markets like Europe,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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