As part of a batch of seven cars that were tested by the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP), Hyundai has managed to score the maximum five-star rating from the organization, proving that despite its small proportions, it can take care of the safety of its occupants. The compact hatchback fared best of all in protecting its adult occupants, with a massive 89 percent rating. Protection of the driver's chest was rated as marginal, while dummy readings showed good protection of the knees and femurs for the front seat occupants. Despite this, the steering column and ignition barrel presented a risk of injury to the driver's femurs. In the side barrier impact test, the car scored maximum points, while in the more severe side pole test, readings indicated marginal protection of the chest and good protection of other parts of the body. Protection of the neck against whiplash injuries in a rear-end impact was good.
Meanwhile, child occupants were also a priority for the South Korean carmaker, as the ix20 managed to score an 85 percent success rate. This is partly because the passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward facing child restraint to be used in that seating position.
The ix20’s bumper scored maximum points for its protection of pedestrians' legs. In most areas likely to be struck by the head of a child, the bonnet offered good protection but was predominantly poor in the areas where an adult's head might strike.
The ix20 comes with a standard equipment list that includes an air-conditioning system, ESP, Bluetooth connectivity and others. As for the safety side, the vehicle will be fitted with active and passive features, which were clearly aimed at securing a five start EuroNCAP rating.
[Source: Hyundai]
