Hyundai Verna Fares Miserably In Latin NCAP

After the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, it was now time for the Verna (also called the Accent) to bear the brunt of the stringent Latin NCAP safety test. And unfortunately, the Verna, too, didn’t do any better, and also scored a big fat ZERO. This model is made in India and exported to Mexico as a CBU unit.

As is the criteria for these safety tests, the model was tested in its standard specification that only came with a single driver airbag unlike the model sold in India that gets dual front airbags. It fared poorly with a 9.23 percent rating in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), 12.68 percent in Child Occupant Protection (COP), 53.11 percent in Pedestrian and Vulnerable Road Users, and 6.98 percent in Safety Assist Systems. 

In the frontal impact test, its body and footwell were stable, with capabilities of withstanding more loads. While it offered good protection for the front passenger’s head and neck, chest protection was poor, which cost points for the Verna.  In the side impact tests, there was decent protection for the pelvis and abdomen, but head and chest protection was rated marginal. Side pole impact tests couldn’t be done as the sedan doesn’t have side airbags as standard. That said, the rear crash structure met safety standards. 

The main reason for the Verna scoring poorly was frankly the lack of safety kit. It didn’t have ESC, side airbags, as well as advanced driver assists such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control which play a crucial role in gaining a respectable safety rating.

Hyundai retails the Verna in India at prices ranging from Rs 9.28 lakh to Rs 15.32 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It takes on the Honda City, and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and will also go up against the upcoming Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus.