2015 Kia Carnival: About That ‘Missing’ ANCAP Safety Star…

Kia’s all-new 2015 Carnival people-mover will achieve 'only' a 4-Star rating when it faces Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) crash safety testing next month.

The score could potentially spoil Kia's marketing efforts for the all-new family car that, despite carrying significant safety technology improvements, will not be able to boast a top rating.

Of the most recent crash tests for people-movers, only the Proton Exora and SsangYong Stavic have failed to win five stars, with all other models (including Kia’s own Rondo) scoring the maximum safety rating.

Kia Australia’s Kevin Hepworth said in 2013 that Kia had a firm goal to have every car in its local line-up wearing a 5-Star ANCAP sticker, no exceptions.

The company has now been forced to make an exception, launching its initial Carnival range this week with a 4-Star rating.