Hyundai i20 scores 3-star Global NCAP safety rating

Compared to the previous-gen model, the 2022 i20 gets lesser adult occupancy score, but has stepped up in child occupancy protection.

Published On Apr 12, 2022 01:30:00 PM

44,221 Views

The Hyundai i20 hatchback is one of the three cars that were crash tested in the latest round by the Global NCAP, with the other two being the Hyundai Creta and the Toyota Urban Cruiser. Both Hyundai models have scored an average 3-star safety rating for both, adult and child occupancy. We break down the Hyundai i20’s GNCAP safety scores.

As is the norm at GNCAP crash tests, the model tested was the entry-level variant, which means it comes equipped with two airbags, ABS and front seatbelt warning as standard.

Hyundai i20 secures 3 stars in child and adult occupancy
Bodyshell rated unstable in crash at 64kph
Hyundai Creta, Toyota Urban Cruiser tested as well

Hyundai i20: 3 star safety rating at GNCAP

The third-gen Hyundai i20 was introduced in India in November 2020. Sitting in the premium hatchback segment, the i20 rivals the likes of the Tata Altroz, Honda Jazz, Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Toyota Glanza.

The i20 has scored 8.84 points (out of 17) in adult occupancy, thus securing a 3-star rating. The report rated the bodyshell and footwell area as unstable and not capable of withstanding further loads. The i20 also lost out points due to weak protection to the driver’s chest and marginal protection to driver’s and passenger’s knees. However, head and neck protection for both front occupants ranged between adequate to good.

In terms of child occupancy, the i20 secured 36.89 points (out of 49). The i20 gets ISOFIX anchorages as standard and the child restraint system (CRS) too was well placed and marked. The report notes that while it prevented excessive forward movement, it lost out points due to poor protection to the child’s neck region. Furthermore, it only gets a lap belt for the rear middle seat.

Also See: Hyundai Creta, i20 & Toyota Urban Cruiser Global NCAP crash test video

Hyundai i20: scores compared to previous-gen model

The previous generation of the made-in-India i20 was crash tested by GNCAP in November 2018. And while the last-gen i20 also had a 3-star GNCAP safety rating, it notably had a higher score in adult occupancy. Compared to the 8.84 points scored by the new i20, the previous-gen i20 had a score of 10.15 points in adult occupancy. Child occupancy protection has, however, seen a step up, as the previous-gen i20 was only able to secure a 2-star safety rating, with 18.16 points.

Hyundai i20 GNCAP score compared with rivals

While the i20 has many USPs over its rivals, such as a lengthy equipment list and varied engine and gearbox options, it is certainly lagging behind in terms of safety. In the premium hatchback segment, it is only the Tata Altroz that continues with the bragging rights of a 5-star GNCAP safety rating. Global NCAP also recently crash tested the Honda Jazz (second-gen in India, third globally) and it came away with a strong showing of a 4-star safety rating. This is despite the fact that it is considerably older and has been in the market since 2015.

Even the fifth-gen Volkswagen Polo sold in India, which will soon bow out, has a 4-star safety rating from GNCAP, back when it was tested in 2014. The recently launched Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Toyota Glanza are, however, yet to be tested by GNCAP.

Other recent GNCAP crash tests

As mentioned before, GNCAP has also crash tested the Hyundai Creta (3-stars) and the Toyota Urban Cruiser, the latter coming out with a more impressive 4-star safety rating. Prior to this, GNCAP crash tested the Honda Jazz and fourth-gen Honda City, both of which secured a 4-star safety rating. You can read more about them here. Recently, the compact SUV duo of the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger also came away with a strong showing of 4 stars from GNCAP.

That said, Global NCAP tests are set to get tougher in the coming months. From July 2022, Global NCAP will update its testing process to factor in ESC and also conduct side impact and pedestrian protection tests. The inclusion of ESC is a very welcome move as it brings focus on active safety (prevent an accident) features.

Are you now likely to consider its rivals over the i20, or would you still prefer an expansive features list? Let us know in the comments below.

Also See:

Breaking down the Global NCAP crash test

Global NCAP likely to conduct crash tests in India