ANCAP crash test results

Kia Soul (LHD) | 2009 on

Front+side+head airbags

Occupant protection score: 33.11 out of 37

Important note: The left-hand-drive European model was tested by Euro NCAP. Australasian specifications may vary and therefore models sold in Australasia might provide different levels of protection to those described on this page. This rating only applies to the New Zealand model.

Model history and safety features

The tested model of Kia Soul was introduced in New Zealand during 2009. A separate ANCAP rating applies to the Australian model, which has fewer safety features.

Dual front airbags, side airbags and head-protecting side curtains are standard equipment. Antilock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist are also standard. Electronic stability control (ESC) is standard in New Zealand. Intelligent seat belt reminders are fitted to all seats. The front seat belt buckles are mounted on the seats and the upper anchorages are adjustable. These features improve the fit of the seat belt. Pretensioners are fitted to the front seat belts to reduce slack in the event of a crash. A three point seat belt is fitted to the centre rear seat. This provides better protection than a two point (lap) seat belt.

Occupant protection:

The Kia Soul scored 13.11 out of 16 in the offset crash test. The passenger compartment held its shape well. Protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver and passenger.

The vehicle scored 15 out of 16 in the side impact crash test and a further 2 points in the optional pole test.

Frontal offset crash test

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head/neck 4 pts, chest 3.20 pts, upper legs 2 pts, lower legs 3.91 pts.

The passenger compartment held its shape well in the offset crash test. The brake pedal moved rearwards by 63 mm and upwards 21 mm. The steering wheel hub moved 35mm forward, 64mm downward and 3 mm sideways. The front ("A") pillar moved 12 mm rearwards. All doors remained closed during the crash. After the crash the driver’s door could be opened with high manual effort.

The airbag cushioned the head of the driver and contact was stable. Dash components were a potential source of injury for the driver and passenger knees. The passenger's head was cushioned by the airbag.

Side impact crash test

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head 4 pts, chest 4 pts, abdomen 4 pts, pelvis 4 pts.

A rear door partially opened during the side impact test, resulting in a 1 point deduction.

The European model was eligible for an optional pole impact test, since it had head-protecting side airbags. The manufacturer decided to go ahead with the pole test and the vehicle earned a further two points. This applies to the New Zealand model.

Injury measurements

Body region		Offset crash test at 64 km/h (v4.1)		Side impact crash test at 50 km/h (v4.1)
		Driver	Passenger	Driver
Head HIC		361	269	55
Acceleration (g for 3ms)		43.3	44.1	26.2
Neck - Shear (kN)		0.32	0.60	-
- Tension (kN)		1.39	1.17	-
- Extension (Nm)		19.3	17.4	-
Chest Accln (g for 3ms)		-	-	-
Compression (mm)		27.59	22.93	19.12
Viscous criterion (m/s)		0.10	0.06	0.11
Abdomen - Force (kN)		-	-	0.730
Pelvis - Force (kN)		-	-	1.580
Upper legs - Force (kN)	Left	0.08	2.10
	Right	0.34	0.70
Knee displ (mm)	Left	0.00	0.90
	Right	0.00	0.00
Lower legs - Force (kN)	Left	1.61	2.14
	Right	1.00	1.45
Index (Upper/Low)	Left	0.41/0.29	0.24/0.24
	Right	0.27/0.21	0.22/0.28

Bonus points (maximum 5)

Pole test: 2 points

Seat belt reminders: 3

Modifiers - deductions from offset test scores

Head		No deduction
Chest		No deduction
Upper leg	Variable & conc. loading	2 pt deduction  Left & Right for driver and passenger
Lower leg		No deduction
Foot score		Score 4 points

Note: Steering column and pedal movements are measured relative to the driver's seat.

Modifiers - deductions from side impact test scores

Chest		No deduction
Door opens during crash		1 pt deduction

Safety features

These specifications are subject to change. Please check with manufacturer for the latest specifications.

Driver airbag	S
Passenger front airbag	S
Side airbags, front seats - chest protection	S
Side airbags, front seats - head protection	S
Side airbags, rear seats - head protection	S
Driver knee airbag	X
Seat belt pretensioners (Front/Rear outboard)	S/X
Antilock (ABS) brakes / Electronic brake distribution / Brake Assist	S/S/S
Electronic stability control (ESC, VSC, DSC, ESP, VSA)	S# (V Au)
3 point centre rear seat belt	S
Active head restraints - front seats	S
Intelligent seat belt reminder - driver	S
Intelligent seat belt reminder - front passenger	S (X Au)
Rear seat belt status indicator	S (X Au)

Key:
S = standard on all variants
O = optional on base variant. May be standard on higher variants
V = not available on base variant but standard or optional on higher variants
X = not available on any variant
# = ESC required by ANCAP for 5 star rating from 2008.

Pedestrian protection rating:

The front edge of the bonnet offered poor protection to pedestrians' legs. In most areas likely to be hit by a pedestrian's head, the bonnet also provided poor protection. Only the bumper offered predominantly good protection against injury.

Child head impacts	5
Adult head impacts	3
Upper leg impacts	Zero
Lower leg impacts	5.89
Total (out of 36)	13.89

ANCAP printable version (PDF, 171 KB)

Page created: 9 June 2009