Euro NCAP test: Hyundai Sonata

• Four out of five stars for occupant protection
• Four out of five stars for child protection
• Two out of four stars for pedestrian protection

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Hyundai's new Sonata family car is the last to go through Euro NCAP crash testing trails this year.

The new Sonata won four out of five stars for occupant and child protection, and two out of four stars for its ability to minimise injuries to pedestrians in a collision.

Overall occupant protection 4/5 stars
Front impact 56%
Side impact 89%
Child protection 76% 4/5 stars
Pedestrian 33% 2/4 stars

Readings showed that the driver's left knee would have been injured by contact with the lower edge of the steering column cover. Protection of this body region was further compromised for both passenger and driver by structures in the dashboard which presented a potential hazard to the knees and uper leg.

All three pedals also posed a risk of injury to the driver's lower legs and ankles.

Hyundai were not satisfied with the original performance of the Sonata in side impact tests. Euro NCAP allowed Hyundai to make improvements to the car and re-tested the modified vehicle.

While the front passenger airbag can be disabled, information provided to the driver regarding the status of the airbag is not sufficiently clear. The presence of ISOFIX anchorages in the rear outboard seats was also not clearly marked.

The Sonata was awarded maximum points for the protection offered to the three-year-old dummy in the dynamic tests (front and side impacts).

A seatbelt reminder system for the driver and passenger's seats met Euro NCAP's requirements.

The part of the bonnet likely to be struck by an adult's head was rated predominantly 'fair', but neither the bumper nor the front edge of the bonnet scored any points for the protection they offered.