The globally popular Hyundai Tucson had received 5 star crash test rating at the Euro NCAP. The SUV has recently been crash tested at the LATIN NCAP where it performed poorly. The Hyundai Tucson has received a zero-star safety rating at the Latin NCAP crash test.
The Tucson tested under the Euro-NCAP was the new-generation model, while the one used in the Latin NCAP is the previous generation model. The previous generation model is still on sale in select markets including India. Latin NCAP said that it purchased the unit tested in February 2021, and this model is still relevant for Latin American markets for next 2 years.
The Hyundai Tucson, manufactured in South Korea, with 2 frontal airbags as standard and no standard ESC has received zero stars under Latin NCAP latest protocols. The model scored 51.21% in Adult Occupant box, 4.37% in Child Occupant box, 49.85% in Pedestrian Protection and Vulnerable Road Users box and 6.98% in Safety Assist box.
The model showed good performance in the frontal and side impact for the adult protection. However, the lack of standard side head protection airbags limited the car to get better scoring. Whiplash protection was good. The bodyshell and footwell area were rated as stable. Child occupant protection performance was poor because the Tucson surprisingly has lap belt in the rear centre seating position as standard and also because Hyundai declined to select the Child Restraint Systems (CRS) for the tests.
Pedestrian protection was over all average with poor protection to upper leg protection and low score in the head. This model misses out on Autonomous Emergency braking. Safety assist showed only SBR points. The car does not offer ESC as standard as well as other relevant technologies. Optional safety equipment would certainly offer better protection and Latin América offered Hyundai to test the new version of the Tucson but the manufacturer declined the offer.
Hyundai Tucson In India
Hyundai is currently selling the older generation Tucson in the Indian market. It is available in the price bracket of Rs 22.69 lakh and Rs 27.47 lakh. The company has started testing the new-gen Tucson SUV in India. It is expected to be launched in the country in 2022-23.
