Shocking! These Best Selling Hyundai, Kia Cars Get 0 Star Safety Rating; Worst In Safety?

Safety has never been the primary concern for day-to-day users and it looks like many automakers have been keeping it on the back burner only. The Latin NCAP which tests cars for Latin America and the Caribbean countries recently published test results of cars that it had recently tested. Despite some well-known names, these cars scored a disappointing 0 star in the safety tests. The cars which failed these tests include some prominent names like Hyundai and Kia.

Hyundai Verna Crash Test – 2021 Latin NCAP

Notably, in Latin America, Hyundai Verna is being sold as New Accent. It is made in India and exported as CBU. The car tested was either manufactured in Mexico or India. The exact origin of the car which was used for the crash test is unknown. Unfortunately, the model scored a 0-star safety rating.

This car scored 9.23% in Adult Occupant protection, 53.11% in Pedestrian and Vulnerable Road User protection, 12.68% in Child Occupant protection, and 6.98% in Safety Assist. The New Accent / Verna was subjected to multiple tests like Frontal Impact, Whiplash, Side Impact, and Pedestrian Protection.

While the scores for safety were poor, the bodyshell and footwell area was rated as stable. Child Occupant Protection performance was poor as Hyundai had declined to select the Child Restraint Systems (CRS) for the tests. Lack of AEB further deteriorated the Vulnerable Road User Protection score. Similar to the Sportage, the Safety Assist points were limited to the Seat Belt Reminder functionality only.

Kia Sportage Crash Test – 2021 Latin NCAP

Sportage from Kia is expected to be launched in India in 2022. This car sits over the Seltos in Kia’s global line-up. The unit which was tested was manufactured in South Korea. It had 2 frontal airbags but missed out on Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The SUV managed to get a 48.15% score in Adult Occupant protection, 57.64% in Pedestrian and Vulnerable Road User protection, 14.87% in Child Occupant protection, and 6.98% for Safety Assist.

This car was also subjected to multiple tests such as frontal impact, side impact, pedestrian protection, and whiplash. Post the tests, the bodyshell was rated stable however the footwell area was given an unstable rating. According to the Latin NCAP, the model also lacked Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) for Vulnerable Road Users which further deteriorated its overall score. Safety Assist score was abysmal as the model scored only points for Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) functionality.

It should be noted that the Latin NCAP program, allows us to trace the general safety performance of a brand’s vehicles. It costs little to brands to improve safety, but it can cost consumers lives or the loss of beloved ones.