Kia defends four-star crash-test result

Kia has gone on the defensive after its latest Picanto city car was the only one of ten tested vehicles not to secure a top result in Euro NCAP crash tests.

The Picanto scored four of five stars, Euro NCAP marking it down for a lack of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard across the model range.

Euro NCAP Secretary General Michiel van Ratingen points out that the proven safety benefits of ESC has resulted in new legislation requiring the technology to be fitted as standard on all new models in Europe as of next year.

“In 2011, consumers should expect this critical safety equipment to be part of any offering regardless of car size or price,” he adds.

However Kia UK has immediately responded, stating that a four-star result was expected and in line with many of the car’s A-segment competitors. It also points out that ESC is fitted as standard on all UK versions of the car.

“Electronic Stability Control is standard on Picantos in most European markets but is not standard across all versions in all European markets – Euro NCAP rate the lowest specification version on offer within Europe and, as such, tested a version without Electronic Stability Control,” Kia says.

“We are confident that had this been fitted to the version tested then a higher rating would have been achieved,” the statement adds.

Words by: Andrew Charman