The Hyundai Ioniq has maintained the maximum rating of five stars across its hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric versions.

The electric version of the Ioniq will go on sale in the UK in time for September plate-change sales next month.

Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Hyundai Motor Europe HQ vice president marketing and product, said the rating shows the company’s strategy of offering safety features in smaller classes and in combination with alternative powertrains is the correct one.

The Ioniq’s SmartSense safety systems helped to achieve the five-star rating, with technology like Forward Collision-Avoidance included as standard on all vehicles. 

The system is activated when another vehicle, a pedestrian or cyclist appears in front of the vehicle.

Standard equipment also includes Lane Keeping Assist, which keeps the Ioniq from unintentionally crossing the lane markings. The Ioniq is built with high-strength steel alloys to ensure high-impact energy absorption, accounting for 53% of the vehicle’s overall structure.

In the event of an accident, a total of seven airbags protect the occupants inside, including an additional knee airbag for the driver. 

Other safety systems such as Blind-spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-traffic Collision Warning are available as options.

The Ioniq was first crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2016 when it was first awarded five-stars.