Kia K4 earns disparate ANCAP safety scores
New Kia K4 Sedan Hits Australian Markets, But Safety Concerns Raised
Kia has recently launched its new Kia K4 sedan across Australia, but concerns over safety have been raised by ANCAP Chief Executive Carla Hoorweg.
The base model of the Kia K4, without the optional Safety-Pack, has received only four stars from ANCAP. This is a significant drop of 13 per cent from the base variant's Safety Assist score, and protection for vulnerable road users was also marked down.
The omission of key safety hardware in the base K4 S reduces its crash avoidance capability. For instance, the base K4 S's emergency lane-keep assist (ELK) does not identify adjacent vehicles or motorcycles, and its autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system is unable to detect or respond to intersection "T-bone" scenarios.
Hoorweg urges buyers to pay close attention to the specifications of Kia K4 variants. She states that the base grade of K4 without the Safety Pack does not provide the same level of safety as the Kia K4 Sport, Sport+, GT-Line, and S fitted with the Safety Pack, which all received a five-star rating.
The Kia K4 performed well in terms of "aggressivity," scoring low in the risk it poses to occupants of other vehicles during a crash. However, Hoorweg emphasizes that safety should not be treated as a 'pay-for' option. Consumers should not have to pay extra or compromise when buying to a budget.
In 2025, Hoorweg reiterates her message to Kia, urging them to provide the same standard level of safety across the K4 range. She encourages Kia to ensure that all their models meet the highest safety standards, allowing consumers to make informed decisions without compromising on safety.
The Kia K4 is now available for purchase across Australia. It's important for potential buyers to carefully consider the safety ratings of the specific model and variant they are considering before making a purchase.
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