The clamour surrounding safety of vehicles gains impetus each day and it has certainly attracted attention among Indian car buyers in recent times. With the introduction of Bharat NCAP last year, the Government of India has encouraged car manufacturers in India to make stronger and safer cars for new age buyers.
Through recent reports it is evident that Indian cars are a lot safer now than what they were a decade back. Many cars in the last few months have received 5-star safety ratings both at Global and Bharat NCAPs. The latest model to join the list of 5-star rated cars in India is Hyundai Tucson albeit its petrol-powered version only.
The petrol-powered Tucson obtained a perfect 5-star rating at Bharat NCAP scoring 30.84 points out of 32 in adult occupancy and 41 points out of 49 in child occupancy. Thus, benefiting from a 5-star safety rating in both categories. The Bharat NCAP website mentions that the gasoline-powered Tucson was tested by the autonomous body in September this year and the assessment results are applicable to both Platinum and Signature trims of the premium mid-size SUV.
Hyundai Tucson Bharat NCAP: AOP
In the adult occupancy protection (AOP), the Tucson scored 14.84 points out of 16 in the front offset deformable barrier test and 16 out of 16 in the side movable deformable barrier test. excelled in protecting both the driver and front passenger. Safety features like dual frontal airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners, and load limiters minimized injuries. Side and curtain airbags provided outstanding protection to critical areas, such as the head, chest, and pelvis, with most protection areas rated “good.”
Hyundai Tucson Bharat NCAP: COP
In the child occupancy protection (COP), Hyundai Tucson attained 24 points out of 24 in the Dynamic score, 12 out of 12 in the CRS installation score, and 5 out of 13 in vehicle assessment score. The COP assessment involved an 18-month old and a 3-year old child dummies. The Tucson tested by Bharat NCAP weighs 1828 kg (gross). The results demonstrated excellent protection, ensuring optimal safety of kids strapped to ISOFIX-mounted rear-facing seats.
Hyundai Tucson: Specs & Price
Currently, Tucson in India is priced between Rs 29.02 and Rs 35.94 lakh whereas the petrol-powered variants of the premium mid-size SUV are priced between Rs 29.02 and Rs 31.69 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). It offers two engine options: a 2-litre petrol engine and a 2-litre diesel engine. The former produces 154 bhp and 192 Nm of peak torque whereas the latter dishes out 184 bhp and 416 Nm of torque.
The petrol variant is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel comes paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The diesel version also comes with an optional all-wheel drive function.