Crash Testing Explained Crash Test Results About ANCAP FAQ Media Centre Member's Area
Vehicle Crash Report

Kia Soul

Overall: 33.11 out of 37

5 Star
Crash Image
Variant: EX LHD
Kerb Weight: 1170 kg
Year: 2009
Engine: 1.6 litre
Category: Small Car
Airbags: Front+Side+head airbags
Risk Notes

NZ model is 5 Stars

EuroNCAP Notes

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 & Safety

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.

Overall Evaluation

5 Stars. 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
  Offset Crash Test at 64km/h Side Impact Crash Test at 50km/h
Driver Pass. Driver
Head
HIC 361 269 55
Acceleration 43.3 44.1 26.2
Neck
Shear 0.32 0.6 None
Tension 1.39 1.17 None
Extension 19.3 17.4 None
Chest
Acceleration None None None
Compression 27.59 22.93 19.12
Viscous Criterion 0.1 0.06 0.11
Abdomen
Force None None 0.73
Pelvis
Force None None 1.58
Upper Legs
Force Left 0.08 2.1
Force Right 0.34 0.7
Knee Displ. Left 0 0.9
Knee Displ. Right 0 0
Lower Legs
Force Left 1.61 2.14
Force Right 1 1.45
Index Left (Up/Low) 0.41/0.29 0.24/0.24
Index Right (Up/Low) 0.27/0.21 0.22/0.28

Bonus Points (Maximum 5)

Pole Test: 2 pts     Seat Belt Reminders: 3

Modifiers - Offset Test Scores
Head No deduction
Chest No deduction
Upper Leg Variable & Conc Loading 2 pt deduction L & R for D & P
Lower Leg No deduction
Foot Score 4 pts

Modifiers - Side Impact Test Scores
Head None
Chest No deduction
Upper Leg None
Lower Leg None
Foot Score None

Pedestrian Rating
2 Star 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

Status
Version 1, Published on: 11-Jun-09
Latest Brochure
Latest Brochure Cover
Stakeholder Logos