In a bizzarre incident, a brand new Kia Carens has been seen being driven around with a full metal frame that is allegedly put to make the vehicle safer
Launched in February 2022, the Kia Carens has been successful with establishing itself rather well. Traits such like those of a comfortable and spacious interior, a long list of features and powerful engines have worked together to make this MPV an instant hit among the car buying lot. Another highlight of the offering is its standard quota of 6 airbags available across the trim range. Still, though, a video that surfaced online earlier today shows how a buyer was allegedly unsatisfied with the crash worthiness and took things in his own hands.
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Kia Carens in Full Metal Frame
The video embedded above shows a brand new Kia Carens still on temporary registration being driven around with a metal frame attached to it. While it’s not uncommon to spot unknowing car users fix a bull bar on their monocoque vehicles, this is actually the first time we’ve seen something so bizarre. It’s important to note here that the vlogger couldn’t get in touch with the owner of the MPV and safely assumes that the metal frame has been installed in a bid to make the car safer. However, we certainly feel there’s more to this particular Carens and the frame could have been attached for an altogether different purpose.
It’s noteworthy that the Kia Carens scored a 3-star score in adult as well as child protection tests. While this makes the MPV reasonably safe by GNCAP’s yardstick, the Seltos-based MPV even comes equipped with a plethora of safety features such as six airbags, ESC, seatbelt pre-tensioners, ABS, all-wheel disc brakes, brake assist system, and TPMS as standard across all variants. The GNCAP safety rating notwithstanding, the Carens clearly holds an edge over many similarly priced models when it comes to the standard safety equipment on offer. Even the GNCAP test notes that the Carens offers adequate neck and head protection to the occupants. Meanwhile, the driver’s chest as well as the knees of the front occupants enjoyed a mediocre level of protection.
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Why Are Such Modifications Dangerous?
It’s not known if the metal frame put around the Kia Carens was done with the purpose of enhancing the safety. However, there’s no doubt that such customisations can turn out the highly dangerous and cause a lot of harm to the vehicle as well as its occupants in an event of a crash. Installing a metal frame or even a bull bar can hinder the deployment of airbags and even affect the performance of the crumple zones. In most cases, such aftermarket accessories are fitted to the chassis. Hence, in case of a collision, the chassis is damaged through the impact on the metal structure. Moreover, such contraptions can even cause serious injuries to a pedestrian. All in all, such ‘home remedies’ for making a car safer should be totally avoided. Also, one should be aware that such modifications are illegal and can incur hefty penalties.
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