Kia K3/K3 Sedan and K3 Hatchback/Cross Earn Five-Star Safety Rating from Latin NCAP

The Kia K3/K3 Sedan and K3 Hatchback/Cross models, produced in Mexico, have achieved a remarkable five-star safety rating from the Latin NCAP. This achievement underscores Kia’s commitment to producing safer vehicles and sets a new benchmark for affordable models in the Latin American market.

The K3 models, equipped with six airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard, along with optional Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), excelled in various crash tests. They scored 87.08% in Adult Occupant Protection, 83.67% in Child Occupant Protection, 65.46% in Pedestrian Protection, and 80.84% in Safety Assist.

Latin NCAP assessed the vehicles in frontal impact, side impact, pole impact, whiplash, pedestrian protection, ESC, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) for Vulnerable Road Users, AEB City, AEB Interurban, and Speed Assist System (SAS). The K3 models demonstrated strong performance in the frontal impact test but showed some instability in the footwell area. Overall, they provided adequate to good adult chest protection and full head and neck protection.

While the pedestrian protection showed some areas for improvement, the three AEB systems tested performed well, meeting the required fitment rates. The Speed Assist System also met the technical requirements and is fitted as standard.

Alejandro Furas, Secretary General of Latin NCAP said:

“Congratulations to Kia for this achievement and for its remarkable corporate shift to safer cars. The K3 is the first ever five star Latin NCAP model for the group and reflects its new direction. This result gives a clear message to consumers that five star performing models in more affordable segments are possible and are reaching our markets. This model is also an answer to fleet managers seeking for more popular models with five star safety performance. Latin NCAP calls all governments to bring mandatory star rating safety labelling in support of independent and clear information to consumers”.

Stephan Brodziak, Latin NCAP Chairman said:

“It is very satisfying to see how a brand like Kia, which had several models rated with zero stars, one with two stars and only one model with three stars, has decided to take the protection offered to their consumers more seriously. We congratulate Kia for its safety performance with the Kia K3/K3 Sedan and K3 Hatchback/K3 Cross models. We hope that these results mark Kia’s commitment to vehicle safety and that we only have more Kia cars rated with five stars in the future. Although there are still areas of opportunity regarding the protection provided to pedestrians and child passengers, we urge Kia to continue improving its models. This result is further proof that it is possible to offer affordable models with the safety standards that Latin American consumers deserve.

I take this opportunity to make a special call to governments to adopt a mandatory safety labeling system based on the Latin NCAP star rating. This system would provide consumers with clear, objective and impartial information on vehicle safety, facilitating informed purchasing decisions and promoting greater competitiveness in the automotive industry”.