Global NCAP has once again crash-tested the Kia Carens, this time using new assessment parameters, and, it has once again received the same 3-star safety rating. Global NCAP also announced that the Carens received a 0-star rating for Adult Occupancy Protection (AOP) during its initial test under the new standards.
Adult Occupant Protection (AOP)
- For models made between May 2, 2023 and December 11, 2023, the protection offered to the driver’s neck was poor, and it was rated as ‘marginal’ for the driver’s chest and the driver’s and passenger’s knees. Additionally, the seatbelt restraints failed to secure the driver and passenger properly, raising the risk of severe injury in a frontal crash. As a result, it received a 0-star rating for adult occupancy protection (AOP).
- Kia reacted promptly to improve the neck performance by enhancing the restraint systems. Models made after December 11, 2023, showed improvement in AOP, securing a 3-star rating and a score of 22.07.
- Bodyshell integrity in frontal impacts was considered unstable and incapable of withstanding further loadings in both tests.
- Both the May 2023 and December 2023 variants of the Carens exhibited good overall protection in the side impact tests. However, no side pole impact test was conducted due to the 3-star rating. Global NCAP commented that the performance was not up to their expectations, considering the Carens offers six airbags as standard.
- Seat belt reminders for the first and second rows are standard but only fulfil the requirements for the front row.
Also Read: Kia Seltos Automatic Now More Accessible
Child Occupant Protection (COP)
The Carens’ child occupancy protection (COP) rating has seen improvement. Initially rated at 4 stars with a score of 40.92 out of 49, it has now increased to 41 out of 49, securing a 5-star COP rating with the enhanced restraint system.
| Safety Score | May 2023 Model | Dec 2023 Model |
| AOP | 0-star (0 points out of 34) | 3-star (22.07 points out of 34) |
| COP | 4-star (40.92 points out of 49) | 5-star (41 points out of 49) |
Global NCAP has also released crash test results for the Mahindra Bolero Neo.
Kia Carens Safety Features and Price
The Kia Carens is equipped with features like six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability management (VSM), brake assist, hill hold assist, all-wheel disc brakes, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and rear parking sensors as standard fitment. It comes in ten variants: Premium, Premium (O), Prestige, Prestige (O), Prestige Plus, Prestige Plus (O), Luxury, Luxury (O), Luxury Plus, and X-Line, priced between Rs 10.52 lakh and Rs 19.67 lakh (ex-showroom).
