The 2015 Kia Sorento which is being launched this week has scored a 5 star ANCAP rating in crash testing.

AFTER THE NEW Kia Carnival was given a 4 star rating by ANCAP, the Korean car maker must be pleased to have achieved a scored 5 stars for its 2015 Kia Sorento SUV.

The unusually short statement from ANCAP, said “The Kia Sorento scored highly in the frontal offset, side impact, pole, pedestrian protection and whiplash tests.  It is also fitted with key safety features and technologies including:

• electronic stability control (ESC);
• emergency brake assist (EBA);
• electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD);
• 3-point seat belts for all forward facing seats;
• head-protecting technology (side airbags) for 1st & 2nd row seats;
• seat belt reminders for 1st & 2nd row seats;
• emergency stop signal;
• reversing collision avoidance; and
• roll stability system.

“To achieve a 5 star ANCAP safety rating, vehicles must perform well in each of the physical tests and be fitted with a number of safety assist technologies (SAT),” ANCAP said.

The 5 star ANCAP safety rating applies to all Sorento variants.

ANCAP has been under pressure locally to justify its existence, after a number of manufacturers have expressed displeasure over recent crash safety rating.

“ANCAP requirements continually increase encouraging manufacturers to provide consumers with safer cars.  ANCAP has been raising this bar annually since 2011,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nicholas Clarke.

“Consumers should continue to look for cars which have been awarded the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating.  In addition, ANCAP also publishes the Rating Year for each car its rates.  This important reference indicates the standards against which a vehicle has been assessed,” said Mr Clarke.