The Kia Sportage SUV/crossover and Venga B-segment MPV were both given the maximum five-star rating, placing them at the top of their respective classes, by the leading independent European safety organisation EuroNCAP. They now join the distinguished company of other Kia models such as the Soul, cee’d and Sorento.
Kia Sportage obtained scores of 93 per cent for adult occupant protection, 86 per cent for child occupant protection, 49 per cent for pedestrian protection, and 86 per cent for safety assist. Venga scored 89, 85, 64, and 71 respectively, in the same categories.
Sportage and Venga also received praise for having electronic stability control (ESC ) fitted as standard in most markets.
“These latest results from Euro NCAP highlight Kia’s commitment to ensuring exceptional levels of safety in its vehicles,” commented Benny Oeyen, marketing director with Kia Motors Europe. “In the first instance, Kia’s engineers strive to design vehicles that make it easier for drivers to avoid hazards, thanks to good visibility, powerful braking, and excellent road holding.
“However in the event that an accident is unavoidable, Kia owners also have peace of mind that they and their passengers are protected by the very best passive safety technology,” Oeyen added.
All Vengas sold in Europe offer buyers ABS with brake assist system (BAS ), electronic stability control (ESC ) with hill assist control (HAC ), six airbags (dual front, side, and full-length curtain ), front passenger airbag cut-off switch, active front head rests, all-round three-point seatbelts with front-belt pre-tensioners and reminder warning, ISOFIX child seat top tethers and anchors, and impact-sensing auto door unlocking.
Sportage buyers will find front, side, and full-length curtain airbags with rollover sensor, front passenger airbag cut-off switch, active headrests, ABS, EBD, ESC with downhill brake control (DBC ), cornering brake control (CBC ), adaptive brake lights, all-round three-point seatbelts with front-belt pre-tensioners and load-limiters, and ISOFIX child seat top tethers and anchor fixings all as standard across the European model range.
New Sportage also compliments Kia's growing 4x4 reputation
Displaying the breadth of Kia's development, the newly-launched Sportage SUV/crossover and Sorento SUV have both walked away with wins in Total Off Road magazine's 2011 4x4 of the Year awards. Kia also scooped the 4x4 Manufacturer of the Year award, completing the hat-trick for the Korean firm.
The Sportage won the category of Junior SUV, fending off competition from 18 mainstream and premium models.
