The base model of the Cerato-replacing K4 has been meted four stars by ANCAP; dearer types have five.

TWO crash test ratings from the national auditor have been applied to a regionally-relevant new compact sedan from Kia.

All versions of the K4 achieve five stars from Australasian New Car Assessment Programme except for the base edition. That’s a four star car.

The difference between them comes down to advanced safety systems that will avoid a crash, rather than crash protection for people inside.

The score for now is primarily relevant to Australia, as Kia NZ has not indicated if it will add the K4 to its line-up here.

ANCAP says Kia Australia opting to sell the K4, which replaces the Cerato, with varying safety specifications between variants means consumers must carefully consider which one they choose.

The entry edition fell short of being eligible for top marks due to missing advanced driver assistance systems such as junction-crossing detection and oncoming lane change detection for its autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

Across the Tasman Kia also sell the K4 in Sport, Sport Plus, GT-Line, and S with Safety Pack provisions.

Those are all equipped with a broad range of safety features and crash avoidance technologies - enabling five-star performance, ANCAP says.

It said the car demonstrated sound crash protection across the range of physical crash tests.

In assessment of its ‘aggressivity’ - or the risk it poses to other vehicles in a crash - the K4 also scored very well, demonstrating a relatively low risk to collision partners.

A dual rating is permitted by ANCAP in cases where specified active safety features are optional. To qualify, these features must be available on base variants in the form of a ‘Safety Pack’.

“The five-star rating achieved by the majority of K4 variants is encouraging news for private and fleet customers,” said ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg.

“However, it is important for consumers to note that the base grade without the Safety Pack does not provide the same level of standard safety.”

“In 2025, safety should not be treated as a ‘pay-for’ option.”

“Our message for Kia is to provide the same standard level of safety across the model range. Consumers should not have to pay extra for safety, nor should they have to compromise on safety when buying to a budget.”