Latin NCAP latest results

9 December 2020

News from Latin NCAP.

The New Car Assessment Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean, Latin NCAP, latest results have been released with two disappointing zero stars for the New Hyundai HB20 and the Ford Ka, followed by a hopeful commitment by Ford to improve the model.

The Hyundai HB20, produced in Brazil, with double airbags as standard, was rated with zero stars under Latin NCAPs new protocol. The popular hatchback and sedan version achieved 19% in Adult Occupant box, 10% in Child Occupant box, 43% in Pedestrian Protection and Vulnerable Road Users box and 14% in Safety Assist box. With an average frontal impact protection, the side impact showed poor protection to the chest bringing the points for this test to zero. Whiplash test also showed poor performance plus the not standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) explains the overall result.

The Ford Ka, produced in Brazil, with double airbags as standard, was rated with zero stars under Latin NCAPs new protocol. The popular hatchback and sedan version, second best-selling model in Brazil, achieved 34% in the Adult Occupant box, 9% in the Child Occupant box, 50% in the Pedestrian and Vulnerable Road Users box and 7% in the Safety Assist Box. With an average frontal impact protection, the side impact showed weak protection to the chest affecting negatively the full score. Whiplash test also showed poor performance plus the not standard ESC explains the overall result.

Both models were tested in Frontal and Side Impact, Whiplash and Pedestrian Protection. Side Pole Impact test was not performed to any of the models as they do not offer side head protection as standard. The Ka and HB20 do not meet United Nations regulations on Pedestrian Protection and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is not offered as standard. Moreover both cars do not have a rescue sheet available according to Latin NCAP’s requirements.

As a consequence of this test and as the consumers requirements evolve, Ford is working to enable improvements in its products. Ford will introduce updates to the safety equipment of the Ka offering ESC and side airbags as standard in all versions. Latin NCAP has already tested the better equipped version of the Ka and it showed improvements to the safety performance. The updated rating will be published as soon as Ford makes standard these key safety equipment for all Latin America region.

For more information please access the Latin NCAP website.