In a significant move aimed at enhancing passenger safety, Hyundai India has taken the lead by making six airbags standard across its entire range of cars and SUVs in the Indian market. This remarkable step not only underscores Hyundai’s commitment to safety but also marks it as the first mass-market automaker in India to offer such a comprehensive safety feature as standard across its lineup. This development comes closely on the heels of the Hyundai Verna achieving a commendable 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, further solidifying the brand’s dedication to passenger protection.
Standardizing Safety Across the Lineup
Previously, Hyundai had already made six airbags standard on most of its models, with a few exceptions, including the Grand i10 Nios, Aura, and Venue, which offered four airbags as standard and six as an option on higher-spec variants. With this announcement, Hyundai has closed the gap, ensuring that all its models, across all variants, come equipped with six airbags as standard. This significant move is expected to raise the bar for safety standards in the Indian automotive industry.
Comprehensive Safety Measures
Earlier this year, Hyundai had taken an important step by making three-point seatbelts with seatbelt reminders standard for all seats across all models and variants, reinforcing its commitment to safety at every level. Notably, out of the 13 models in Hyundai’s India portfolio, 10 already come with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-Start Assist Control as standard features. Only the Exter, Grand i10 Nios, and Aura do not have these features across all their variants.
Bharat NCAP Crash Testing Initiative
In addition to these safety enhancements, Hyundai has also taken the proactive step of voluntarily sending three of its models to Bharat NCAP for crash testing. While the specific models have not been disclosed, this move signifies Hyundai’s dedication to transparency and safety assessment. The results of these tests are eagerly awaited and will provide further insights into the safety performance of Hyundai vehicles in real-world crash scenarios.
Looking Ahead
Hyundai’s commitment to safety and the proactive steps it has taken, such as standardizing six airbags across its lineup and participating in crash tests, demonstrate the brand’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its customers. As the automotive industry in India continues to evolve, Hyundai’s safety initiatives set a precedent for other manufacturers to follow, ultimately leading to safer roads and vehicles for all.
