Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Secures 5 Stars In ASEAN NCAP Crash Test

The Hyundai Ioniq received a score of 46.34 points for adult occupant protection and 21.48 points for child occupant protection. Talking about the full frontal impact, ASEAN NCAP in its assessment said that the car gave adequate protection to both the driver and front passenger, while the passenger compartment of the vehicle remained stable in the frontal offset test. The side impact test was also determined as good with adequate protection to the head, neck, torso, and back of the driver.

The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is the automaker's fifth model to be tested by ASEAN NCAP. The Singapore-spec Ioniq was tested and the hybrid sedan comes with a host of active and passive safety systems including ABS, stability control, lane departure, forward collision warning. The sedan also comes with lane-keeping assist and blindspot detection.

Power on the Hyundai Ioniq comes from a number of engine options globally including petrol, hybrid and electric. The hybrid version runs on a 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine coupled with an electric motor that provides a combined output of 139 bhp and 265 Nm of torque. The 1.56 kWh lithium-ion battery contributes 43 bhp and 170 Nm of peak torque. The Hyundai Ioniq electric that was showcased in India was powered by an electric motor with 120 bhp and 295 Nm of torque. The electric sedan comes with a range of 280 km on a single charge.

Apart from the Hyundai Ioniq, the ASEAN NCAP also tested the 2018 Toyota C-HR and Rush SUVs, both of which recived full five-star safety ratings.

(The Hyundai Ioniq is offered in three engine options globally - petrol, hybrid and electric)

While the Ioniq was expected to make its way to India, the changes in the government taxation for hybrids under the GST, provided little encouragement for the automaker. Instead, Hyundai has confirmed it will be bringing the Kona electric SUV to the country, which attracts lower taxation and goes along with the popularity of SUVs. The Hyundai Kona Electric will be the company's first electric offering in India and is will go on sale sometime in 2019.

Meanwhile, Hyundai is gearing up to introduce the all-new Santro hatchback. Spied a number of times now, the new generation Santro will be a Renault Kwid and Maruti Suzuki Alto rival, but big on features and a spacious cabin. The entry-level car is expected to go on sale towards the end of this year.