A lot of cars seem to be getting five-star safety ratings these days. It’s almost as if testing agencies give them away like candy and scores like that don’t really surprise us anymore.
What’s more surprising is when a car doesn’t get the full five-star rating. Recently, we mentioned the Suzuki Swift getting three from Global New Car Assessment Program (Global NCAP). Now there’s another car tested by the agency.
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That car is the Kia Soluto, and Global NCAP had a few things to say about it. In its overall assessment, the agency gave it just two stars for adult occupant protection. So, why the score?
Global NCAP noted that the structure of the vehicle suffered from a collapsed footwell, increasing the risk of injuries for the front occupants. There was marginal protection for the chest, thighs, and feet, although head and neck protection was rated good.
There were also some concerns about the dashboard. Global NCAP pointed out ‘dangerous structures behind the fascia.’ As for side impact testing, there was adequate protection but a higher risk of injury in the chest area. The lack of side airbags meant the side pole test wasn’t performed, further dropping down its rating.
It’s not all doom and gloom for the Kia Soluto, though. Child occupant protection was rated at four stars. Injury risks were low and Global NCAP lauded head and neck protection at the back.
One factor of the result could be the car’s age. Global NCAP implemented tougher testing procedures and made it more difficult for cars to achieve more stars. The Soluto made its world debut in 2017, meaning this model is now seven years old. The standards used during its first launch were not as high as they are now.
Furthermore, the Soluto uses the Hyundai-Kia PB platform that dates back to 2008. Under the skin, this car shares the same bones as the third-generation Kia Rio sold from 2011 to 2017.
One can say that it's still safer than cars made during the turn of the millenium. But, if anything, the Soluto’s performance shows that it's actually not that easy to get a full five-star rating.
