The recently launched new-generation Kia Picanto has just been handed a four-star ANCAP safety rating.
Interestingly, the previous generation of the Kia micro-car had a maximum five-star score, a rating that was achieved in testing back in 2011.
Related: Beefed-up Kia Picanto confirmed for Europe
Later, in 2016, the first-generation car narrowly held on to the maximum score when it was the subject of an audit test (details here).
Why did the new-gen Picanto miss out?
ANCAP found that while the vehicle does boast Autonomous Emergency Braking (City/Interurban) as standard, the car did fall short in Pedestrian Protection and Child Occupant Protection.
The Kia offering scored 87% for Adult Occupant Protection 87%, 64% for Child Occupant Protection 64% and finished with just a 54% Pedestrian Protection score.
ANCAP CEO, James Goodwin, explains…
“It is very encouraging to see an affordable, small car offering AEB City and AEB Interurban as standard, and Kia should be congratulated for taking this initiative,”
“The Picanto is however limited to 4 stars due to lower scores in the Pedestrian Protection and Child Occupant Protection areas of assessment.”
The four-star ANCAP safety rating applies to all Australian-sold variants of the Kia Picanto built from June 2017.
Related: 2018 Kia Stinger V6 to land in Australia under $49,000
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