India-made Hyundai Grand i10 gets zero stars in Global NCAP
What's the story
The Hyundai Grand i10, manufactured in India for African markets, has received a zero-star rating for adult occupant protection in the latest Global NCAP crash tests. The model scored 0 out of 34 points for adult protection and 28.57 out of 49 points (three stars) for child occupant protection. The results highlight a major disparity between safety standards of vehicles sold in different regions.
Safety concerns
High risk of life-threatening injuries
Global NCAP's report indicates that the adult protection in the Grand i10 was extremely poor, with a high risk of life-threatening injuries. The frontal impact test showed weak chest protection for the driver while the side impact test recorded chest injury readings above allowed limits, indicating a high risk of non-recoverable injuries. Because injury thresholds were exceeded, zero points were awarded for adult occupant protection.
Equipment deficiency
Stability issues and lack of safety features
The Global NCAP also flagged stability issues in the bodyshell and footwell during the frontal test, saying they were unstable and could not withstand further load. The African-spec Grand i10 comes with only driver and passenger airbags, no side body or head protection, no Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a seat belt reminder for just the driver.
Industry reaction
Global NCAP CEO criticizes safety double standards
Richard Woods, CEO at Global NCAP, criticized the double standard on safety in low and middle-income countries.He said, "Democratizing vehicle safety in Africa is a Global NCAP priority, and consumers deserve safer vehicles regardless of where in the world they live." Bobby Ramagwede, CEO at Automobile Association of South Africa also expressed concern over these results.
Market differences
Disparity between Indian and African versions of Grand i10
The tested car shares its production base with the India-spec Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS, but not its safety equipment. The Indian version includes six airbags, three-point seatbelts with reminders for all seats, ABS and additional stability features on higher variants. When Global NCAP tested the two-airbag Nios in 2020, it received two stars for both adult and child safety.