The Kia Sonet may be one of the brand's most popular vehicles in the Philippines due to its budget-friendly price, but it seems it is coming under scrutiny in other countries for one key aspect: vehicle crash safety.

Global NCAP published its findings for the Kia Sonet when it was subjected to a series of crash tests by ADAC in Germany. Needless to say, it's not looking good for the subcompact crossover: the Kia Sonet only received one star for adult occupant protection.

Under the crash test report of a Sonet (with only dual front airbags and no side airbags or side curtain airbags, which contributed to the lower score), the crash test report published by Global NCAP showed some interesting results. The assessment stated that the foot-well area and body shell were unstable and not capable of withstanding further impacts. Meanwhile, the side impact test resulted in poor chest protection, which limits the adult protection rating to just one star. However, abdomen protection was rated adequate.

A side pole impact test wasn't conducted because the Sonet lacked side head airbags (AKA curtain airbags). The PH-spec Sonet also lacks side curtain airbags and only comes with dual front airbags for crash protection.

When it comes to child occupant protection, the Sonet performed better but only received three stars. Global NCAP said that they only gave three stars because the Sonet lacks a passenger airbag disabling switch and a low score in child restraint system (CRS) installation.

Global NCAP says the Kia Sonet is unacceptable since it's being sold in many markets without certain features they would consider standard. It should be noted, however, that the Sonet that was tested by Global NCAP/ADAC is the version made in India. Kia also produces the Sonet in Ecuador, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and China. The Philippines gets the Sonet from the China manufacturing base and not from India.

Be that as it may, Korean automaker may have to check their production standards in other facilities, and possibly conduct safety updates and upgrades in the near future.