Hyundai ix20 awarded maximum 5-star Euro NCAP rating

Hyundai’s new B-segment MPV, the ix20, has been awarded the maximum five-star safety rating by independent vehicle assessment organisation, Euro NCAP.  The result makes the ix20 one of the safest vehicles in its segment, and one of the very few to achieve a five-star rating.

The ix20 is the fourth consecutive Hyundai model to achieve the maximum five-star score in Euro NCAP’s rigorous assessment program, following on from the top ratings recently achieved by the i20 supermini, i30 hatchback and ix35 C-segment SUV.

The B-segment MPV received a class-leading score of 85% in the ‘child occupant protection’ category, performing well in both the 18-month-old and three–year-old assessments.  In the ‘adult occupant’ and ‘pedestrian’ categories, the Hyundai attained competitive scores of 89% and 64% respectively.

Electronic stability program and a seatbelt reminder system contributed to the ix20’s score of 71% in the ‘safety assist’ category.  Hyundai’s thorough safety program yielded maximum points in the ‘side barrier impact’ assessment as well as good protection against whiplash in rear-end impacts.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “The ix20’s five-star rating further demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to the highest levels of safety for our customers.  Add to that a very generous standard specification, a range of efficient engines, and the assurance of our unrivalled Five Year Triple Care, and the ix20 becomes a very appealing package.“

Since its launch in November 2010, the ix20 has proved very popular in Europe, receiving nearly 32.000 orders by the end of last month.