NRMA questions Hyundai

Once standard on all Santa Fes, it is not part of the standard equipment in base SX models introduced from last October and again in July this year.

Meanwhile, the starting price has dropped $2000.

Electronic Stability Control has been hailed as the biggest thing in car safety since the invention of the seat belt. That is because it is able to sense dangerous situations and automatically apply the brakes where necessary, helping the driver maintain control.

Research has shown it can reduce the risk of single vehicle accidents by 40 per cent.

NRMA Insurance head of research Robert McDonald described the move by the South Korean manufacturer as disappointing.

“In the past we have publicly praised Hyundai for its inclusion of safety technology in its vehicle range,” Mr McDonald said.

“But we are disappointed that ESC is not a standard feature on its SX Santa Fe SUV models.”

NRMA Insurance factors Electronic Stability Control into the calculation of insurance premiums.

Mr McDonald said NRMA Insurance wants people to know what they were missing out on, so they can place pressure on Hyundai and other non-compliant manufacturers to include it as standard on all new vehicles.

Given that most SUVs have inferior dynamics and a higher centre of gravity, he said the decision not to include ESC was even more concerning.

“Although both cars and SUVs benefit from ESC technology, research has proven that SUVs stand to gain the most. In fact, ESC reduces the likelihood of SUV crashes significantly and the risk of fatal single vehicle rollovers by 80 per cent,” he said.

Motorists can check whether a vehicle has ESC fitted on NRMA's site.

Hyundai's director of sales and marketing Kevin McCann said Hyundai spent $5 billion a year on research and development in which the environment and passenger safety were key areas of focus.

“Hyundai pioneered the availability of Electronic Stability  Control and side and curtain airbags in both the light and small car classes,” he said.

“We know Electronic Stability is the anti-skid brake system of 10 years ago, the airbags of five years ago and, not withstanding, remains a strong product intention for Hyundai Motor Company Australia.

“Accordingly, we continue to work closely with the factory to ensure economy of scale within production of Hyundai lifestyle vehicles in an attempt to make vehicles available as standard on all models where technology permits,” he said.