Kia Stinger dealt three star safety rating

Kia’s Stinger has been dealt a surprising blow in its quest to supersede the Commodore and Falcon in driveways this week: a three-star safety rating out of five.

Australia’s chief crash testing body has announced the rating for entry-level variants of the Korean passenger car, which have had important safety aids omitted.

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) said 200S and 330S versions of the Stinger, released in October this year, miss out on safety aids fitted standard to Si, GT Line and GT variants, which were all awarded the maximum five stars.

“As a new market entrant, the Kia Stinger has generated a lot of public interest and consumers should expect a 5 star safety rating for this calibre of vehicle,” said ANCAP chief executive, James Goodwin.

“The Si, GT Line and GT variants marketed in Australia, and all New Zealand Stinger variants are well-equipped and have earnt the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating.

“Unfortunately two Stinger variants offered as part of the Australian model line-up – the 200S and 330S – are supplied without the active safety aids provided in other variants and score 3 stars.”

An ANCAP press release goes onto detail the absence of automated emergency braking and lane keep assist in the 200S and 330S models, omissions which resulted in those cars’ ‘Safety Assist’ scores reduced by 25 per cent.

The sting coincides with an increased emphasis on electronic driver aids under ANCAP’s revised safety guidelines. Had the Stinger been tested this time last year, the verdict might have been much different.

“Australasian variants also lack rear seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters which help manage the forces of a crash, and a penalty has been applied to the full width test score,” said Goodwin.

“Australasian customers should feel let down that important safety features are being left out of the vehicles we’re being supplied.  We would urge Kia to offer the same safety specification across all variants and all markets to ensure the best safety outcomes.

Meantime, Jaguar’s F-Pace passed the rigours of ANCAP with flying colours, scoring 5 stars on all variants.

“High scores were achieved in all physical crash tests and performance assessments,” Goodwin said.

“AEB is provided as a standard feature along with forward collision and lane departure warning systems.”

“Other active safety assist features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and lane keep assist functions are however offered as options and we would encourage all brands to offer these important safety aids as standard in all markets.”