Global NCAP has tested the Indian-spec Hyundai Creta within the framework of its Safer Cars for India initiative and published a video of the results. The crossover SUV only scored 3 out of 5 stars for both adult and child protection.
The test method includes a head-on collision with a crumpling obstacle with an overlap of 40% and a speed of 64 km/h (40 mph). As you can see in the video, the engine bay gets crumpled and the car recoils to one side after the airbags deploy. The cabin cage remains without serious damage.
Despite this, the agency stresses dangerous overloads exerted upon both front passengers. The driver risks injuring their chest area and legs (due to the deformation of the floor), while the passenger is likely to suffer injury in the hip area, with the least risk to their head and chest.
Crash dummies were put into two children’s seats in the back and strapped solely with the car’s own, standard belts. They imitated children 1.5 and 3 years old for the test purposes. The “younger” mannequin scored 4 out of 5, while the “older” one was found barely protected at all.
In the end, Global NCAP awarded the car 28.29 points out of 49 for children’s safety and 8 out of 17 for the adults. Both corresponds to 3 stars, or a C mark.
The crossover SUV tested was one of the most affordable specs equipped only with frontal airbags, ABS, and belt pre-tensioners.