Kia responds to concerns about Sonet crash safety in South Africa

Kia South Africa has officially responded to the Automobile Association’s (AA’s) statement regarding the safety of the Sonet crossover.

On Wednesday, 10 June 2026, the AA announced that the entry-level Kia Sonet received a one-star safety rating, following a vehicle crash test.

The crash safety tests, conducted by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP) determined that the Sonet had a one-star safety rating for adult occupant protection, and a three-star rating for child occupants.

The AA stated that the compact SUV has serious gaps in safety protection due to a lack of standard head-side protection.

The base model Sonet LS only comes with two front airbags and does not include side curtain airbags, which protect occupants in the event of a side collision.

Additionally, the crash tests highlighted structural concerns with the vehicle, including:

• The footwell area and bodyshell were unstable and not capable of withstanding further loadings.
• In the side impact test, poor chest protection limited the adult protection rating to one star, while abdomen protection was rated as adequate.
• The side pole test was not conducted because side head protection airbags are not fitted as standard.
• Child Occupant Protection: both child dummies received full protection in the dynamic test, but the absence of 3-point belts in all seating positions, no passenger airbag disabling switch and a low child restraint system (CRS) installation score resulted in a 3-star rating.

While the AA criticised these shortcomings, it acknowledged that the Sonet does come standard with electronic stability control (ESC), another important safety function that many entry-level cars lack in South Africa.

The crash tests were conducted as part of the AA’s #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign, which aims to highlight the discrepancy in safety standards between cars sold on the continent compared to other markets like Europe or Australia.

The AA’s tests focus on entry-level models of popular cars sold in South Africa, arguing that vital safety features such as ESC and additional airbags should not be treated as optional extras on more expensive derivatives.

Kia responds

Kia posted an official response, noting that it is aware of the statement issued by the AA of South Africa and Global NCAP.

“The Sonet LS achieved three stars for child occupant protection and one star for adult occupant protection in the assessment,” it said.

“The adult assessment is specifically attributed to the absence of standard side curtain airbag protection in the entry-level specification of the model tested.”

“The Sonet’s Electronic Stability Control met with Global NCAP requirements, while child occupancy received a three star rating in the test.”

Kia affirmed that the Sonet range is compliant with all applicable South African legislative safety requirements, as stipulated by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications. 

The automaker added that the LS model features a comprehensive safety suite that includes:

• Dual front SRS airbags
• ISOFIX child seat anchorage points
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Front seatbelt pretensioners

The company noted that customers seeking enhanced occupant protection can look to the higher-tier Sonet EX+ and SX derivatives, which come with six airbags as standard.

Additionally, the SX is equipped with an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).

Kia also revealed that it plans to launch a new LS+ trim in the third quarter of 2026, which will feature six airbags as standard.

“With the LS+ in the line-up, four of the five Sonet trim levels will offer six airbags as standard,” said the manufacturer.

“Kia South Africa recognises the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign’s role in raising safety standards across the continent and, furthermore, welcomes independent assessment as a mechanism for accountability and continuous improvement across the industry,” said Paul Turnbull, CEO of Kia South Africa.