The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Hyundai Azera Earns Top Crash Test Ratings


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

IIHS Results Demonstrate Outstanding Occupant Protection

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA - April 6, 2006: Hyundai's exciting new 2006 Hyundai Azera has received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) top crash test rating for frontal offset impacts. These results reflect Hyundai's commitment to unsurpassed safety across its entire model lineup.

The IIHS ratings for the crashworthiness of passenger vehicles are based on a 40 mph frontal offset tests, in which the driver side of the front of a vehicle strikes a deformable barrier. Performances are ranked with comparative ratings of "good," "acceptable," "marginal" or "poor." The Azera earned an overall "good" rating in the tests.

"At Hyundai, our over-riding concern is to help our drivers avoid accidents by offering cars with agile handling and sophisticated active safety aids, like standard Electronic Stability Control," said John Krafcik, vice president of strategic planning and product development, Hyundai Motor America. "These fine IIHS ratings, based on a very severe high-speed offset frontal crash, also reflect our ongoing commitment to deliver outstanding passive safety equipment that reduce injuries should an accident occur."

According to IIHS researchers, drivers of vehicles that earn good ratings in frontal offset crash tests are about 46 percent less likely to die in frontal crashes than drivers of the poor-rated vehicles they crashed into. More than 200 vehicles have been rated by the IIHS since the frontal crash tests were first conducted in 1995.

The Azera features the most standard safety technologies in its class, including standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

The Azera also comes with eight standard airbags, including advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard seat occupants. Active front head restraints provide extra protection against whiplash in rear-end collisions.