Venga and Sportage score top marks in Euro NCAP tests

Kia’s versatile Venga model has been awarded the maximum five star rating from independent safety organisation, Euro NCAP after being retested.

The model, tested alongside the new the Korean car maker’s new Sportage model which also scored top marks, improves on its first-test score of four stars awarded due to a fault with the seatbelt of the first few models.

Originally tested in early 2010, Kia’s engineers, not content with a less-than-perfect score made some minor adjustments to the car and sent the car back for retesting. The revised model specification, which entered production in September 2010, performed strongly in all test areas to secure the maximum 5-star rating. Meanwhile the new SUV Sportage model 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, Vice-President, Marketing & Product Planning, 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 concluded.

Kia Venga car leasing deals

Kia Venga new and nearly new car deals

Kia Venga road test reports

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.

Author: Faye Sunderland, November 24th, 2010
Filed under: Kia | No Comments »