ANCAP Scolds Major Car Manufacturer For 'Optional' Safety

Separate ANCAP safety ratings have been published for the Kia K4 sedan. The majority of variants achieved a five-star result, while the base S variant without the optional Safety Pack received four stars.

Kia has released the K4 with different safety specifications across its model range. This follows a similar approach used with its predecessor, the Kia Cerato.

The K4 Sport, Sport+, GT-Line, and S with Safety Pack include additional crash avoidance technologies. These inclusions allowed those variants to secure five-star ratings.

In crash testing, the K4 recorded strong results for adult and child occupant protection. The vehicle also demonstrated low risk to other vehicles in collision scenarios.

The base S variant, when sold without the Safety Pack, lacks hardware and software found in higher grades. This results in its autonomous emergency braking system being unable to respond to intersection crossing scenarios.

Although the base S does include some crash avoidance features, its software does not detect vehicles or motorcycles in adjacent lanes. This contributed to its lower Safety Assist score.

The S variant recorded a 13% reduction in Safety Assist compared to higher grades. Its Vulnerable Road User Protection score was also lower, contributing to the four-star rating.

ANCAP permits dual ratings where active safety features are sold as optional extras. In this case, the Safety Pack qualifies the base S variant for a higher rating.

“However, it is important for consumers to note that the base grade without the Safety Pack does not provide the same level of standard safety,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Carla Hoorweg. “In 2025, safety should not be treated as a ‘pay-for’ option.”

“Our advice for consumers is to check before you buy. Make sure you know the ANCAP safety rating of the specific vehicle model and variant you’re considering, as there can be important differences that aren’t immediately obvious, or that may not be explained at the point of sale,” Ms Hoorweg added.

“Our message for Kia is to provide the same standard level of safety across the model range. Consumers should not have to pay extra for safety, nor should they have to compromise on safety when buying to a budget.”

ANCAP Safety Ratings – Kia K4 (2025)

• S (2.0L petrol): Adult Occupant 83%, Child Occupant 80%, VRU 73%, Safety Assist 64% – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• S with Safety Pack (2.0L petrol): Adult Occupant 83%, Child Occupant 80%, VRU 77%, Safety Assist 77% – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Sport (2.0L petrol): Adult Occupant 83%, Child Occupant 80%, VRU 77%, Safety Assist 77% – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Sport+ (2.0L petrol): Adult Occupant 83%, Child Occupant 80%, VRU 77%, Safety Assist 77% – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• GT-Line (1.6L turbo petrol): Adult Occupant 83%, Child Occupant 80%, VRU 77%, Safety Assist 77% – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐