The latest generation Hyundai Tucson, with dual front airbags has scored a miserable zero in the recent round of Latin NCAP crash tests. Interestingly, the previous generation Hyundai Tucson too, scored a zero safety rating in the Latin NCAP crash test when tested last year.
Related: Hyundai Tucson Scores Zero Stars in Latin NCAP Crash Test
Surprisingly, this new generation Hyundai Tucson has a full 5-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash test. This once again shows that how automakers treat emerging markets differently than those requiring more stringent safety regulations by law.
Latin NCAP tested two variants of the new generation Hyundai Tucson. While the SUV with dual front airbags scored a zero-star safety rating, the variant with six airbags scored a three-star rating.
Hyundai Tucson’s 0-star Latin NCAP crash test
For adult occupants, the dual airbag-equipped Hyundai Tucson scored 20.09 points, which is only 50.23% of the total available points. On the other hand, for the child occupant, the score was just 2.62 points or 5.34% of the total available points. However during the frontal impact test, the protection for the driver and passenger’s head, neck and chest was relatively good.
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Latin NCAP claimed that the crash-tested Hyundai Tucson showed marginal protection for the driver and passengers’ knees, as they can impact dangerous structures behind the fascia. The footwell area was rated as stable. The body-shell of the new Tucson SUV was rated stable, while for side impact test, head, chest, abdomen and pelvis protection was rated good.
Hyundai Tucson’s 3-star Latin NCAP crash test
The new generation Hyundai Tucson with 6 airbags, scored much better in the Latin NCAP crash test and got a 3-star safety rating. However, it didn’t score the same as the European market-spec model. Adult safety points scored were 32.64 or 81.61% of the total available points, while on the child safety front, it scored 34.07 points or 69.53% of the total available points.
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According to Latin NCAP, after scoring 0 stars in the crash test, Hyundai decided to improve the basic equipment of the model by adding standard side airbags, side curtain airbags, three-point belts in all positions, i-size marking, seatbelt reminder for the front passenger position, ESC and speed limitation system. Still however, while the result was better than that of previous year’s score it was well below par when compared to Tucson’s result in more stringent Euro NCAP tests.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
