5 star NCAP award for Hyundai

The family hatchback was originally tested a year ago, but was then awarded four out of five stars due to insufficient front impact protection which revealed potentially serious injuries in the knee area during impact.

However, Euro NCAP regulations stipulate that if a manufacturer makes sufficient changes to the car’s safety systems, they are eligible to re-take the test again.

A spokeswoman for Euro NCAP said: “The Koreans have certainly raised their game, and are now competing with more established European manufacturers for safety.”

Other cars tested include the Mercedes M-Class, which scored five stars for adult occupant protection – an improvement over the four stars achieved by the previous model. The Lancia Delta and Renault Koleos were also awarded the full five stars, but the Daihatsu Cuore city car could manage only four – it was let down by poor chest and upper thigh protection.

Surprisingly, not one model was given full marks for child occupant or pedestrian protection – with the M-Class scoring one out of a possible four for the latter, because of its large grille and high bonnet.

[IMG]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-20080827155921443.jpg[/IMG]

Source: Autoexpress

Credits: Jarvis