The Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid has been declared as one of the safest cars in its class after being awarded an overall five-star safety rating by the New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP). The ASEAN NCAP is a collaborative effort between the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and Global NCAP.
The IONIQ was tested using a stringent 2017-2020 rating system and achieved an outstanding overall score of 91.98 points. It fared well in three categories namely, Adult Occupant Protection (46.34 points over 50.00), Child Occupant Protection (21.48 points over 25.00) and Safety Assist Technologies (24.17 over 25.00) making it one of the safest cars in its segment.
“We are elated with the latest five-star ASEAN NCAP award to add to the list of IONIQ’s safety awards, including the 5-star Safety Rating by Euro NCAP in 2017 and the 2017 Top Safety Pick+ Award from IIHS (Independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) in the US. The IONIQ has proven to be one of the safest cars in its class featuring advanced safety features. With a starting price of RM94,788 (On-The-Road Price without GST and Insurance, WEF 1st June 2018) it is certainly value for money, coupled with its award-winning design and a host of convenient features,” said Mr Dennis Ho, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors – Malaysia, Thailand & Taiwan.
According to the ASEAN NCAP, the IONIQ scored impressively thanks to its advanced safety equipment, which includes effective braking and avoidance technologies such as the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Seatbelt Reminder System (SBR) including rear passengers, ISOFIX and top tether that is standard across all variants. The IONIQ also offers several advanced safety technologies such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) for City, Inter-Urban and Vulnerable Road Users Technologies, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA). (These features are only available in the HEV PLUS variant)
The Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) alerts drivers to emergency situations, braking autonomously when required. Using front radar and camera sensors, AEB operates in three stages; initially warning the driver visually and acoustically, controlling the brake according to the collision danger stage and applies maximum braking force just before the moment of collision. When the car senses a vehicle or pedestrian, the system is activated and avoids a collision or minimizes damage when a collision is otherwise unavoidable.
Other features that contributed to the IONIQ’s five-star rating include:
Lane Keeping Assist System including Lane Departure Warning
- This alerts the driver acoustically and visually if the car crosses road markings without indicating, and applies slight force to the steering wheel in order to guide the driver back to a safe position. (The feature is only available in the HEV PLUS variant)
Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- This system warns the driver of surrounding vehicles, passengers or other objects that may lead to a collision if unnoticed while the car is in motion – a further safety feature of the IONIQ. (The feature is only available in the HEV PLUS variant)
Passive Safety
- A total of seven airbags are positioned around the interior of the IONIQ, including a knee airbag for the driver
A host of local awards that the IONIQ has won in 2017 include the 2017 Hybrid of the Year at the Vehicle of the Year Awards (VOTY) by DSF.my in collaboration with Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad, 2017 Hybrid Vehicle of the Year by CarSifu Editor’s Choice Awards, 2017 Sedan & Hatchback of the Year (RM100,000-RM130,000) category and the 2017 Hybrid Car of the Year Category at the Malaysia Car of the Year Awards.
HSDM offers a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty for the vehicle, three-year or 60,000km (whichever comes first) free service including parts, labour and engine oil. It also comes with an eight-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery and a battery price below RM10,000 for the following eight years if the battery needs replacement. A 24-hour road assist service is also available for new and existing Hyundai vehicles.
