Since its launch in 2019, the Kia Seltos has made significant waves in the Indian market as a stylish and feature-rich compact SUV. With over 25,000 units flying off the shelves in the first quarter of 2024 alone, the Seltos has quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the country's most popular SUVs. However, beyond its aesthetics and performance, the safety of the Kia Seltos has come under scrutiny. In this blog, we will delve deep into the Kia Seltos safety rating for 2024, examining the Global NCAP crash test results and what they mean for potential buyers.
Kia Seltos: A Closer Look at Safety Ratings
In 2024, the entry-level HTE variant of the Kia Seltos, equipped with two airbags and ABS, underwent safety testing by Global NCAP. The results were a mix of reassurances and areas for concern. The vehicle earned a 3-star safety rating for adult occupant protection and a less impressive 2-star rating for child occupant protection. Let’s unpack these ratings and understand their implications.
Adult Occupant Protection
The Seltos scored three stars in adult occupant protection. This rating was supported by the car's ability to provide adequate protection to the head and neck of both the driver and front passenger. The chest protection for the driver was deemed marginal, which raises concerns, although the passenger's chest received a good protection rating. A potential risk was identified with the knee protection for both occupants, suggesting possible contact with hazardous structures behind the dashboard.
The structure of the bodyshell and the footwell area was also noted as unstable. This could potentially compromise the vehicle's integrity in more severe impacts. Despite these concerns, the standard seatbelt restraint system for both seats was in place.
Check: Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Safety Ratings
Child Occupant Protection
The safety of child occupants in the Kia Seltos was notably lower, with a rating of just two stars. The testing highlighted that the child seat for a 3-year-old did not adequately restrain the dummy, leading to poor head protection, although chest protection was better. The 18-month-old’s CRS, installed using an adult belt and facing rearward, provided good protection for the head and chest. It is worth noting that the manufacturer did not recommend the CRS used during the test, which may influence compatibility and safety efficacy.
Innovative Features for Motorcyclist Safety
In the motorcyclist safety test, the Kia Seltos demonstrated strong performance with its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including effective automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane departure warnings (LDW). The absence of a blind-spot detection (BSD) system in the tested model was noted as a gap. However, the vehicle's high-resolution rearview camera and parking sensors were effective in detecting nearby obstacles, helping prevent potential accidents.
Comprehensive Safety Features
The Kia Seltos boasts an array of safety features aimed at protecting its occupants:
- Dual Front Airbags: Standard protection for the driver and front passenger.
- ABS with EBD: Enhances braking efficiency and stability.
- ESC: Helps maintain vehicle control in difficult driving conditions.
- Hill-start Assist Control (HAC): Prevents the car from rolling back on slopes.
- ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors: Ensures secure child seat installation.
Managing Car Ownership with CarInfo App
Navigating car ownership complexities, such as maintaining service history, keeping track of e-challan notices, and accessing RC details and RTO information, has become more streamlined with tools like the CarInfo. This app serves as a one-stop solution, offering easy access to car insurance details and the facility to buy and sell cars efficiently. Whether you're a current Kia Seltos owner or considering becoming one, CarInfo can enhance your ownership experience by ensuring all pertinent information is at your fingertips.
Safety Assist Features
Despite some drawbacks in protection ratings, the Kia Seltos is equipped with several commendable safety assist features. These include standard seatbelts, ABS, and airbags. The vehicle also includes electronic stability control (ESC), a seatbelt reminder for the driver (optional for the passenger), and a speed alert system. These systems collectively contribute to a safer driving experience, although additions like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (LDW), and blind-spot detection (BSD) could further enhance safety.
Conclusion
While the Kia Seltos dazzles with its modern design and robust performance, the 2024 safety ratings from Global NCAP suggest areas for improvement, particularly in child occupant protection and structural integrity during impacts. Prospective buyers should weigh these factors alongside the vehicle's safety features and driving aids. As Kia continues to innovate, potential enhancements in safety could make the Seltos an even more compelling choice for families and safety-conscious drivers alike. Equip yourself with tools like the CarInfo app to manage your vehicle’s documentation and history effortlessly, making your car ownership experience as secure and enjoyable as possible.
FAQs
What safety rating did the Kia Seltos receive in 2024?
- In 2024, the Kia Seltos was awarded a 3-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 2-star rating for child occupant protection by Global NCAP.
What are the key safety features in the Kia Seltos?
- The Kia Seltos comes equipped with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), hill-start assist control (HAC), a rearview camera, and ISOFIX child seat anchors among other features.
How does the CarInfo app help Kia Seltos owners?
- The CarInfo app assists Kia Seltos owners by providing easy access to service history, RC details, e-challan status, RTO information, and helps manage car insurance and transactions for buying and selling cars.
Are there any recommended child restraint systems (CRS) for the Kia Seltos?
- Global NCAP testing noted that the CRS used in the Kia Seltos did not prevent excessive forward movement during tests. It's advised to consult the vehicle manual or manufacturer for recommended CRS that are compatible with the vehicle's design and safety features.
Does the Kia Seltos offer features to assist in motorcyclist safety?
- Yes, in motorcyclist safety tests, the Kia Seltos' advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane departure warnings (LDW) demonstrated effectiveness in detecting and avoiding potential collisions with motorcycles.
