Kia's Sportage and Venga Models Awarded 5 Stars by Euro NCAP

The Kia Sportage crossover and Venga MPV were both given the maximum 5-star rating by the Euro NCAP, placing them at the top of their respective classes. The two models join other cars from the Korean manufacturer that have received similar awards, such as the Soul, cee’d and Sorento.

Kia Sportage obtained an impressive score: 93 percent for adult occupant protection, 86 percent for child occupant protection, 49 percent for pedestrian protection and 86 percent for safety assist. The Venga scored slightly less (but still most impressive): 89, 85, 64 and 71 respectively, in the same categories.

The Korean carmaker's recent success on the European market is partly due to its innovative safety features and standard equipment. This is also the case for the Sportage and Venga, as they come as standard with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) fitted.

“These latest results from Euro NCAP highlight Kia’s commitment to ensuring exceptional levels of safety in its vehicles,” commented Benny Oeyen, Vice-President, Marketing & Product Planning, Kia Motors Europe. “In the first instance, Kia’s engineers strive to design vehicles that make it easier for drivers to avoid hazards, thanks to good visibility, powerful braking and excellent road holding.  However, in the event that an accident is unavoidable, Kia owners also have peace of mind that they and their passengers are protected by the very best passive safety technology,” he then added.

The Venga was first tested by Euro NCAP earlier this year, and received just four stars. Kia’s engineers subsequently made a number of minor changes to the car and brought Venga back to Euro NCAP for retesting. The current, revised, model has entered production in September 2010.

All Vengas sold in Europe come with ABS with Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Hill Assist Control (HAC), six airbags (dual front, side and full-length curtain), front passenger airbag cut-off switch, active front head rests, all-round three-point seatbelts with front-belt pre-tensioners and reminder warning, ISOFIX child seat top tethers and anchors and impact-sensing auto door unlocking.

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