The Hyundai Veloster, known for its unique three-door design, underwent rigorous side crash testing to evaluate its safety performance. This sporty hatchback, redesigned for the 2019 model year, was subjected to evaluations to ensure occupant protection in side-impact collisions. This article delves into the Hyundai Veloster’s side crash test results, addressing a notable door opening issue and the subsequent fix implemented by Hyundai.
Initial Side Crash Test and Door Opening Incident
In the initial side crash test conducted on the 2019-22 Hyundai Veloster, an unexpected event occurred: the driver’s side door opened. While this door opening did not drastically alter the vehicle’s structural deformation or the movement of the crash test dummy, it is considered a safety concern. In real-world side crashes, a door opening could increase the risk of occupant ejection, particularly for those not wearing seatbelts.
To address this issue, Hyundai took immediate action, modifying the vehicle’s door structure in Veloster models manufactured after January 2019. Furthermore, a recall was initiated to apply the same corrective measures to earlier models of the 2019 Hyundai Veloster. The manufacturing date of a specific vehicle can typically be found on the certification label located on the driver’s side door or the adjacent B-pillar.
Subsequent Test and Overall “Good” Rating
Following the implementation of the door reinforcement modifications, Hyundai conducted a second side crash test. In this subsequent test, the driver’s side door remained securely closed, demonstrating the effectiveness of the implemented fix. The safety ratings for the Hyundai Veloster are based on the comprehensive results of both the initial and subsequent tests, taking into account the improvements made by Hyundai.
The Hyundai Veloster achieved an overall “Good” rating in side crash evaluations. This “Good” rating extends to key aspects of the crash test, including:
- Overall Evaluation: Good
- Structure and Safety Cage: Good
- Driver Injury Measures:
- Head/Neck: Good
- Torso: Good
- Pelvis/Leg: Good
- Driver Head Protection: Good
- Rear Passenger Injury Measures:
- Head/Neck: Good
- Torso: Good
- Pelvis/Leg: Good
- Rear Passenger Head Protection: Good
These ratings indicate that the Hyundai Veloster provides robust protection for occupants in side-impact collisions. Both driver and rear passenger injury measures were rated as “Good”, signifying a low risk of significant injuries in a comparable real-world crash scenario.
Technical Data: Intrusion and Injury Measures
Detailed technical measurements from the side crash tests provide further insights into the Hyundai Veloster’s performance. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side and driver/passenger injury measures are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of vehicle safety.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side):
| Measurement | Test ID | Value (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | CES1805 | -15.5 |
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (Hyundai test) | VTS1909 | -17.5 |
Negative values indicate crush stopped short of the seat centerline.
These measurements reveal the extent of structural deformation in the driver’s side occupant compartment during the side crash.
Driver and Passenger Injury Measures:
Detailed data on head, neck, shoulder, torso, and pelvis injury measures for both the driver and rear passenger dummies are recorded. These measurements, including Head Injury Criterion (HIC), neck tension/compression, shoulder deflection/force, torso deflection/viscous criterion, and pelvis/femur forces and moments, are crucial in assessing the potential for injuries in a side-impact crash. All recorded measurements for the Hyundai Veloster were within acceptable limits, contributing to the overall “Good” safety rating.
Conclusion: Hyundai Veloster Side Impact Safety
The Hyundai Veloster demonstrates a “Good” level of safety in side-impact crash scenarios. While an initial test revealed a driver-side door opening issue, Hyundai promptly addressed this with vehicle modifications and a recall. Subsequent testing confirmed the effectiveness of these measures. The Hyundai Veloster’s “Good” ratings across structural integrity and occupant injury measures underscore its commitment to safety in side collisions.
