Kia has achieved an outstanding 5-star ANCAP rating for its new Sorento released last month.
The four-door large SUV reached a near perfect ANCAP score and performed well in its crash tests offering good occupant protection.
AA General Manager Motoring Services Stella Stocks says the latest model boasts a number of safety assist technologies (SATs) as standard.
“Kia has stepped up and taken occupant safety seriously with SATs such as dual frontal and curtain airbags, antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard, which is a positive step in the right direction,” Ms Stocks says.
Intelligent seat belt reminders are also included for all seats.
NZ Transport Agency Group Manager Access and Use Celia Patrick says it is pleasing to see vehicle manufacturers continuing to raise the bar for safety, as the advanced safety features like those offered by the Sorento are potential lifesavers.
“We’re aiming for a truly safe transport system that is more forgiving of human error, so no-one pays with their life when a driver makes a mistake, and safer vehicles are a key part of a safe system. Multiple airbag packages can prevent serious injuries in a crash, and active safety features like ABS, EBD and ESC can prevent many crashes from happening in the first place.”
ANCAP has published crash test results for a wide range of passenger and light commercial vehicle makes, models and variants sold in Australia and New Zealand since 1992. It is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, all Australian state governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA foundation.
For a full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings, other vehicle safety information and the specifications of the rated vehicles visit www.aa.co.nz(external link) or rightcar.govt.nz(external link).
For more information contact:
Stella Stocks
General Manager – Motoring Services
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. +64 9 966 8908
M. +64 21 772 242
or
Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager
New Zealand Transport Agency
T. +64 4 894 6285
M. +64 21 276 3222
