Base Kia Stinger scores 3 stars from ANCAP

ANCAP has announced a five-star safety rating for the Kia Stinger GT, Stinger GT Line, and Si variants, while only awarding three stars to the base 200S and 330S models.

Though all variants scored well impact protection structurally, it was the lack of impact avoidance technology that led the ‘S’ models to receive three stars.

While the GT, GT Line, and Stinger Si all have autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist, as well as rear seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters, the S variants do not.

ANCAP chief executive James Goodwin says he’s disappointed that ANCAP wasn’t able to award every Stinger variant with a five-star rating.

“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,” Goodwin says.

“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.

He says the lack of these preventative technologies reduce the S variants’ Safety Assist score to 25 per cent.

“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.

“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.”

MOTOR contacted Kia Australia regarding the ratings, but Kia has “no comment at this point.”

We’re told Kia wishes to examine the results more closely before making a comment on the matter.