Hyundai has just launched its candidate Exter in the micro-SUV segment with a good range of features and first-in-segment offerings. To compete with its primary rival, Tata Punch, the safety rating of the car has to play a vital role. Let’s see what we know:
Competitors
While Hyundai’s candidate seems to have potential with new features, a modern design, and impressive fuel efficiency, Tata has the upper hand in safety. Punch has the edge with a 5-star Global NCAP rating and features such as brake sway control.
Also Read: Fronx vs Hyundai Exter: A Comparison of Popular Models!
With the growing awareness about safety, the NCAP ratings play some role in consumer decision-making. Although Hyundai is confident that the Exter will emerge as one of the safest cars in India as per Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP standards,
Considering the Global NCAP lens, brands such as Volkswagen, Mahindra, and Tata are better placed in terms of safety. They have multiple cars with 4- & 5-star safety ratings. The Hyundai cars, on the other hand, have not hit this mark yet. Even the best sellers like Creta and the i20 have a 3-star rating.
Safety Features
Exter has a comprehensive range of safety features that will enable the car to get a good rating in the Global NCAP crash tests. It has 6-airbags as standard, hill-start assist, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The structure is also fortified and capable of optimizing safety in the event of a crash.
Also Read: Hyundai Cars to Become Safer?
From the point of view of Global NCAP scores, ESC is very important. As per the new safety guidelines, cars that want a 5-star safety rating must offer ESC as a separate option. Exter meets the requirements because ESC is available in most of its versions. Even the most basic model has an ESC option. Global NCAP also looks at important safety issues like side-impact and pedestrian-protection tests, and Exter seems ready to take these tests.
Hyundai is also evaluating the chance to get the Exter tested under the upcoming Bharat NCAP. This is also a voluntary crash test rating platform developed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Bharat NCAP is expected to be launched by October this year and be applicable in July 2025.
Exter could be the start of a new journey for Hyundai if it scores 4 or more stars in the crash test and Hyundai can get similar results with future versions of the existing cars. Only time will tell how the crash test goes.
