For first the time since Euro NCAP started testing the Korean automakers models in 2003, a Kia, the Cee’d, managed to achieve a 5-star rating in adult occupant protection with an overall score of 34 points. Peugeot’s on the other hand continued its strike of 5-star rating models (1007, 207 & 407) with the new 308 hatch. In the child protection tests both models were awarded with 4 out 5 stars while in pedestrian protection, the Cee’d got a mediocre 2-star rating (out of 4) and the Peugeot a 3 star rating. -Continued after the jump
EURO NCAP KIA CEE’D
Front impact
The passenger compartment remained stable during the impact. Structures in the dashboard presented a risk of injury to the knees and femurs of the driver and the passenger. The clutch pedal moved rearward more than 100mm, but there was no rupture of the footwell.
Side impact
The Cee'd scored maximum points in the side impact and pole tests
Child-protection
The car scored maximum points for the dynamic performance of the 3 year old dummy in the frontal and side impacts. The front passenger's airbag can be disabled, allowing a rearward facing child restraint to be used in that seating position. However, information provided to the driver about the status of the airbag is not sufficiently clear. The label warning of the dangers of using a rearward facing child restraint in the passenger's seat without first disabling the airbag was not clear and was not permanently visible. The presence of ISOFIX anchorages in the rear outboard seats was not clearly marked.
Pedestrian protection
The bumper scored no points for the protection offered to pedestrians' legs. Protection of adults' heads was also rated as predominantly poor.
EURO NCAP PEUGEOT 308
Front impact
The passenger compartment remained stable during the impact. The driver's knees were well protected by an airbag mounted in the lower dashboard. Peugeot showed that the airbag would also protect occupants who were larger or smaller than the dummy used in the test, and those sat in different seating positions. The passenger was well restrained and his knees did not get close to the dashboard.
Side impact
The 308 scored maximum points in the side impact and pole tests.
Child-protection
The passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward facing child restraint to be used in that seating position. However, information provided to the driver regarding the status of the airbag is not clear. The presence of ISOFIX anchorages in the front passenger seat and the rear outboard seats was not clearly marked.
Pedestrian protection
The bumper scored maximum points for its protection of pedestrians' legs. Also, the protection offered by the bonnet to the head of a struck child was predominantly fair. However, protection of adults' heads was mostly poor.
