New Hyundai Tucson plans changes

New Hyundai Tucson plans changes after missing top safety rating

The new 2015 Hyundai Tucson released earlier this year has come up short in the latest ANCAP results.

The medium SUV earned a 4-star rating after the frontal offset crash test found the driver’s leg and feet were only marginally protected due to poor structural integrity of the driver footwell.

Additionally results of the same test showed a slight risk of serious chest injury to the driver in the event of a crash.

However, following this result, Hyundai has taken immediate steps to improve the safety of the 2015 Tucson pledging design and production changes.

ANCAP has agreed to retest the vehicle once the design changes are in production.

AA Motoring Services General Manager Stella Stocks says it is encouraging that Hyundai is dissatisfied with its ANCAP safety rating and will work to remedy the shortfalls of the Tucson.

The ANCAP test revealed the 2015 Tucson also offered marginal protection to pedestrians, particularly to the upper leg area. The European model tested by Euro NCAP had a pop-up bonnet that provided less injury risk to pedestrians, but is not available in New Zealand and Australia.

“We often see that within the same model safety improvements are made to European variants, but not to those offered in Australasia,” says Ms Stocks. “While it’s understandable manufacturers want to keep costs down, we would like to see them place the same level of importance on our safety as they do in Europe.”

The current rating applies to all 2-wheel-drive variants with the 2 litre GDi petrol engine.

The Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) is supported by all Australian motoring clubs, the New Zealand Automobile Association, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

ENDS

© Scoop Media