Kia India announced that the all-new Kia Seltos has secured a 5-star rating under the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP), achieving the highest scores recorded for an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle in the programme to date.

The SUV recorded a combined score of 76.70 points, comprising 31.70 points for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 45.00 points for Child Occupant Protection (COP). The AOP score is the highest among ICE vehicles tested so far under BNCAP, while the COP score ranks among the highest in its category.

The certification was presented at an official ceremony by Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways.

According to the company, the results reflect improvements in structural integrity and crash energy management enabled by the K3 platform underpinning the vehicle. The platform incorporates high-strength steel and hot-stamped components aimed at enhancing impact absorption and distribution during collisions.

The Seltos is equipped with a standard safety package that includes six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC) and hill-start assist control (HAC), among other features. It also offers a Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite with 21 functions, including forward collision avoidance assist and smart cruise control with stop-and-go capability. Additional systems such as a blind view monitor, 360-degree surround camera and side parking sensors are included to improve driver awareness and vehicle control.

This is the second model from Kia India to achieve a 5-star BNCAP rating, following the Kia Syros. The company stated that the latest rating is part of its broader effort to strengthen safety standards across its product range in India.

Since its launch, the Seltos has been a key model for Kia India in the domestic market. The updated version has maintained monthly sales exceeding 10,000 units, according to the company, indicating continued demand in the mid-size SUV segment. The latest safety rating is expected to support its positioning in a segment where safety performance is becoming an increasingly important factor for buyers.