The 2018 Hyundai Kona Earns a TOP SAFETY PICK+ Rating from the IIHS

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Aug. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In one of the industry's most stringent crash tests, the 2018 Hyundai Kona was named a TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Kona scored a good rating for occupant protection in the passenger-side small overlap front crash test and when equipped with its newly available good-rated LED headlights, qualified for the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. The Kona also earned good ratings in the Institute's five other crashworthiness evaluations and a superior rating for its optional front crash prevention system, which avoided collisions in 12- and 25-mph IIHS track tests.

"Hyundai is honored to receive the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award from IIHS," said Dr. MinSup Lee, vice president, Hyundai America Technical Center. "Having our engineering recognized by one of the leading indicators of vehicle safety inspires us to continue making advancements through passive and active safety integration."

"Safety is one of the most important markers for every vehicle Hyundai develops and we are proud of our entire engineering team, who helped Kona achieve the highest possible rating from the IIHS," said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Hyundai continues to prioritize making the most advanced safety features available. The Kona is a great example of the stylish, fun-to-drive, affordable and safe vehicles you can find in the Hyundai lineup."

According to IIHS, models that earn TOP SAFETY PICK honors are the best vehicle choices for safety within their size categories. Kona's award adds to the list of eight new Hyundai models that are rated TOP SAFETY PICK+ or TOP SAFETY PICK when equipped with front crash prevention and specific headlights, tied for the second most in the industry. The 2018 Elantra (built after Dec. 2017), Sonata (built after Sept. 2017), Santa Fe and the Santa Fe Sport (built after June 2017) all earned the organization's highest rating, while the Elantra GT, Ioniq Hybrid and Tucson received a TOP SAFETY PICK rating. IIHS crash test results for the all-new 2019 Santa Fe will be released next month.

This award is for Konas built after May 2018, as Hyundai made changes to the Kona's available LED projector headlights to minimize glare for oncoming drivers. Following the change, the LED headlights, which are available on the Limited and Ultimate trim lines, earned a good rating. The Ultimate trim's headlights also feature high-beam assist, a feature that automatically switches between high beams and low beams depending on the presence of other vehicles in the path of the lights.

To earn the 2018 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests and an acceptable or good rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test. Qualifiers also need an available front crash prevention system that earns an advanced or superior rating and available good-rated headlights.

Hyundai's compact SUV Kona appeals to consumers with active lifestyles of all kinds and comes equipped with the latest safety technologies. Kona offers optional advanced active safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which uses the car's front-facing camera and radar to help detect an imminent collision and avoid impact or minimize damage by braking autonomously. Three additional optional systems also utilize the front-view camera to boost safety and convenience: Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA) and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).

By sensing road markings, Lane Keeping Assist helps to prevent accidental lane departure by automatically steering the car, if required, while the Driver Attention Warning system monitors a spectrum of driver-related characteristics to help detect driver fatigue or careless driving.

Kona's radar systems also assist with the Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) to help detect approaching vehicles that may be obscured from view during highway driving. The Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) helps detect when another vehicle may have entered the car's rearward path, such as backing out of a parking spot, by providing a driver alert.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America is focused on delivering an outstanding customer experience grounded in design leadership, engineering excellence and exceptional value in every vehicle we sell. Hyundai's technology-rich product lineup of cars, SUVs and alternative-powered electric and fuel cell vehicles is backed by Hyundai Assurance—our promise to deliver peace of mind to our customers. Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide and the majority sold in the U.S. are built at U.S. manufacturing facilities, including Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea.

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