In a significant milestone for Hyundai, the newly launched Verna sedan has achieved a 5-star safety rating in the latest round of Global NCAP crash tests under the Safer Cars for India programme. This is the first time a made-in-India Hyundai vehicle has received a top rating from Global NCAP.
Top Marks for Safety
Equipped with a comprehensive safety package as a standard, including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), rear ISOFIX mounts, and seat belt reminders for all seats, the Verna scored exceedingly well.
Transitional Phase for Safety Testing
With Bharat NCAP coming into effect from October 1, the Verna is among the last few Hyundai cars to undergo testing under the Safer Cars for India programme.
Adult Occupant Safety
In the adult occupant protection category, Verna scored 28.18 out of 34 points. However, the test noted the bodyshell as unstable and incapable of withstanding further loadings. It demonstrated good protection for the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck during the frontal impact test.
In the side impact test, the Verna offered good protection for the head, pelvis and abdomen, along with adequate chest protection. In the side pole impact test, it received an ‘OK’ rating, with good head and pelvis protection, marginal chest protection, and adequate abdomen protection.
While the passenger chest protection received a good rating, the driver’s chest protection was rated as marginal. The assessment also highlighted marginal protection for the driver’s and passenger’s knees due to potential impact with structures behind the fascia. The footwell area was rated unstable.
Effective Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
The Hyundai Verna, equipped with ESC as a standard feature, underwent testing for its performance. It met the requirements of Global NCAP, UN 127, and GTR9 pedestrian protection norms, earning a commendable rating.
Child Occupant Safety
In the child occupant protection category, the Verna earned 42 out of 49 points. This included a perfect 12 out of 12 points for the Child Restraint System (CRS) installation and a full 24 points in the dynamic score.
Global NCAP tested the Verna using dummies representing an 18-month-old and a 3-year-old child, both positioned in rear-facing seats. The installation of these seats using i-size anchorages (standardised attachment points in a vehicle designed to securely install child car seats) and a support leg, contributed to effective head protection during frontal crashes. The CRS also delivered comprehensive side impact protection.
While the Verna offers 3-point seatbelts in all seating positions as a standard, it does not provide the option to deactivate the front passenger airbag when a rearward-facing CRS is installed in that seat.
Interestingly, a CRS failure was noted after the side impact test, which was identified as an isolated incident. To verify this claim, Global NCAP conducted a subsequent higher-energy side impact test, during which the CRS showed no further signs of failure.
Comparing Safety Ratings with Rivals
Among midsize sedans in the Indian market, the Hyundai Verna joins the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus, both of which have also achieved 5-star safety ratings from Global NCAP.