Hyundai Santro Gets Two-Star Rating In Global NCAP Crash Test

Body shell integrity of the entry-level Hyundai was rated unstable just like its competitor, the WagonR

• Hyundai Santro base variant crash tested by the Global NCAP.

• Received a poor 2-star rating for adult as well as child occupants.

• Santro's base variant gets only a driver airbag as standard.

• Passenger airbag is available only in the top two variants: Sportz and Asta.

• Tata Nexon remains the only made-in-India car to receive a 5-star rating in GNCAP tests.

The Global NCAP has tested the made-in-India Hyundai Santro and the results are dismal. The hatchback has scored a two-star rating for adult as well as child occupants in the sixth round of #SaferCarsForIndia campaign. Its rival, the Maruti WagonR, also has a similar report card.

The vehicle tested was the entry-level Era Executive variant of the Hyundai Santro that features just a driver airbag, ABS with EBD, seatbelt reminders and child locks on the rear seats. Important safety features such as passenger airbag, front fog lamps and rear defogger are only available from the second to top Sportz variant onwards.

As per the norms, the Santro was crash tested at 64kmph and its body shell integrity was labeled as unstable. The report suggested that protection for driver and passenger's neck and head was good. However, the driver's chest showed weak protection while the passengers had marginal safety. The footwell area was also rated unstable thanks to dangerous structures behind the dashboard, which offer marginal protection for the front occupant's knees.

The Santro doesn't get ISOFIX child seat mounts and the CRS (child restraint system) and the 3-year old dummy had to be installed facing forward with the adult seatbelt. It allowed excessive head movement during the impact bringing the dummy's head in contact with the front seat. The 18-month dummy, however, was placed facing rearwards in a CRS and offered good protection.

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