One of the greatest small SUVs available in India is the KIA Seltos, which debuted with several services, cutting-edge technology, and a sleek design. But how effective is this car in terms of safety?

The article discusses the KIA Seltos' Global NCAP safety rating, its safety features, and how you can safeguard your vehicle.

Global NCAP, or New Car Assessment Programme, is an international organization that assesses the safety of vehicles through rigorous crash tests. Under its “Safer Cars for India” initiative, the KIA Seltos underwent extensive evaluation. The vehicle received a 3-star rating for adult occupant protection and 2 stars for child occupant protection.

This rating reflects the Seltos' performance in various crash tests, including front-offset impact tests, where the vehicle is struck from the front at an angle. The scores reveal areas where the vehicle offers strong protection and others where there’s room for improvement.

1. Adult Occupant Protection
   • Rating: 3 stars
   • Score: 8.03 out of 17

   The KIA Seltos NCAP rating for adult occupant protection shows that the vehicle offers adequate protection for the head and neck of both the driver and front passenger. However, there were some concerns about the chest protection for the driver, which was rated as marginal, while it was rated good for the front passenger. Additionally, the car’s structure was noted to be slightly unstable during the crash test, indicating potential vulnerability in severe collisions.

2. Child Occupant Protection
   • Rating: 2 stars
   • Score: 15 out of 49

   In terms of child occupant protection, the Seltos received a 2-star rating. The test results indicated poor head protection for children in crash scenarios. A child seat designed for a 3-year-old failed to prevent excessive forward movement, although chest protection was adequate. The vehicle was also criticized for not having three-point seatbelts in all seating positions, further compromising the safety of younger passengers.

   Also Read: Complete Guide to Bharat NCAP: Understanding Car Safety Ratings

Despite the average ratings in Global NCAP, the KIA Seltos safety rating 2024 highlights its range of advanced safety features designed to protect passengers.

1. Standard Safety Features

   The following safety features come standard in all KIA Seltos variants:

   • Airbags: The Seltos offers six airbags for front, side, and curtain protection, helping reduce injury during collisions.
   • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing for better vehicle control.
   • Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain vehicle stability during sudden turns or slippery conditions.
   • Hill-start Assist Control (HAC): Prevents rollback on inclines, a useful feature for uphill driving.
   • ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors: Secure attachment points for child safety seats, enhancing protection for younger passengers.

2. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

   The higher trims of the KIA Seltos come equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that add an extra layer of safety. Key ADAS features include:

   • Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver of impending frontal collisions.
   • Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW): Warns drivers of vehicles in adjacent lanes during lane changesx`.
   • Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane.
   • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Helps steer the vehicle to remain within its lane.
   • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go: Automatically adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead.
   • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW): Detects vehicles approaching from the sides when reversing.

3. Additional Safety Features
   • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Alerts the driver if tyre pressure is too low, preventing potential accidents.
   • Emergency Stop Signal (ESS): Automatically activates hazard lights during emergency braking to warn other drivers.
   • 360-Degree Camera: Offers a bird's-eye view around the car, aiding in parking and tight manoeuvres.

The KIA Seltos is available in multiple variants and engine configurations, catering to different consumer needs. Below are the key specifications.

• Length: 4365 mm
• Width: 1800 mm
• Height: 1645 mm
• Wheelbase: 2610 mm
• Ground Clearance: 190 mm

The Seltos comes with both petrol and diesel engine options:

• 1.5L MPi Petrol: Displacement of 1497 cc
• 1.5L T-GDi Petrol: Displacement of 1482 cc
• 1.5L CRDi Diesel: Displacement of 1493 cc

• Manual Transmission (MT)
• Automatic Transmission (DCT and CVT)

• Mileage (ARAI): Petrol - up to 17.9 kmpl; Diesel - up to 20.7 kmpl
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 litres

• Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
• Boot Space: 433 litres

The price of the KIA Seltos ranges between ₹10.90 Lakh and ₹20.45 Lakh, depending on the variant and features chosen. With its combination of modern design, advanced technology, and competitive pricing, the Seltos continues to be a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

While the KIA Seltos global NCAP rating is an essential indicator of its safety, having the right insurance is equally crucial. A comprehensive car insurance policy will cover you in case of accidents, theft, or damage due to natural calamities. Additionally, a third-party insurance policy is mandatory in India, as it provides coverage against damage or injury caused to others in an accident.

When choosing car insurance, it's essential to opt for a provider known for its reliability and ease of claim settlement. SBI General Insurance offers a range of car insurance policies that include third-party insurance, as well as comprehensive plans to protect your vehicle against a variety of risks. By opting for SBI General Insurance, you can ensure peace of mind while driving your KIA Seltos, knowing you're covered in case of unforeseen events.

The Global NCAP safety rating for KIA Seltos provides a fair assessment of the vehicle's strengths and weaknesses in terms of safety. While it offers solid protection for adults, there’s room for improvement in child-occupant safety. With the right combination of advanced safety features and comprehensive insurance, you can make your driving experience in a KIA Seltos much safer. To protect your vehicle, consider opting for SBI General Insurance, which offers robust coverage and ensures you are prepared for any situation on the road.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.