Latest Hyundai grabs 'best-in-class' safety rating

24/01/13

THE HYUNDAI Santa Fe has been named as the safest car in its class assessed by Euro NCAP during 2012. Its scores across all test categories were best-in-class, making it one of the safest vehicles ever tested by the independent vehicle assessment organisation and the best in the ‘Large Off-Road 4x4’ segment –ahead of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Range Rover.

Of the 36 vehicles tested during 2012, the eight top-performers in their segments have been recommended by Euro NCAP for their leading levels of safety across a range of assessments. In the ‘adult occupant’ category, the latest Santa Fe scored 96% with maximum points in the side barrier test.

The latest Santa Fe is also the first Hyundai to be equipped with an active bonnet. This activates if a pedestrian is hit, reducing impact forces and reducing the risk of serious injury. The result of this is a ‘pedestrian safety’ score of 71%, making the Santa Fe stand out among its rivals in this category with the nearest high score being 63%.

The New Generation Santa Fe is the latest of a long line of Hyundai models to achieve the maximum five-star score in Euro NCAP’s rigorous assessment program, following the top ratings achieved by the New i20, ix20, ix35, i40, Veloster and the New Generation i30.