Posted By jackdaw I think the first question I would consider is do they really think the Hyundai Accent is unsafe to drive or do they just dislike the car - because it's rubbish? I would think that as the car is manufactured to a standard, and if it is maintained in a roadworthy condition, then it is not unsafe to drive. I also think that if you are going to look at your company car fleet then you should also consider other aspects of safe driving - are vehicles maintained, do drivers regularly check tyres, are drivers familiar with road traffic rules and customs in Saudi. When considering the fleet you can compare the different models including safety features such as air bags, anti lock brakes, etc. You can even compare EuroNCap rating for the different models. When complete you should be able to identify actions which you would recommend with regard to the operation of the fleet - maintenance, driver training, etc. Your company can also decide whether it is willing to set a minimum standard for its car fleet - must have air bags, etc, etc. My opinion, for what it's worth, is that you shouldn't consider the car in isolation.

Posted By Steven Surely if the car was not safe to drive then it should not have been provided by Hyundai! Steve

Posted By Richie H Thanks, as i expected - why would hyundai make a car and a country allow import if its not legal! I do believe some part of the disgruntled employees issues do come from the fact that it is a hyundai accent and not something more up market - however i am dissappointed that a comany of our size cannot, as suggested have minimum requirements when obtaining new fleet vehicles. Shame the H&S department weren't consulted priot to contract agreement.... same old story i guess! Thanks for your comments and you have all given me grounds to base my assessment on - we do already have good maintenance procedures etc for the vehicles so thats ok. Think althought it might not be the safest car in the fleet it remains roadworthy.... but as you said, dont think i will be rushing to have a drive - especially on this roads! Cheers all, Richie

Posted By Paul Devlin Your spot on Glyn, when people are looking for a window of opportunity they always seem to use H&S as there means. I go with most of the other posters and would tell the persons involved that the car is perfectly safe and their only worry is the aesthetic quality of the car. I tend to agree with them its an ugly beast but hey they'll have to get over their car snobbery. Regards Paul

Posted By Stuart Bower Isn't the issue not about 'safer to drive' but 'safer to crash'?!! Would/does the absence of what people now regard as standard safety equipment on cars modify drivers behaviour? And don't forget, - the best safety device on cars would be an 8 inch steel spike on the steering wheel!!

Posted By Eric Taylor I have no doubt a drivers air bag is available as an extra cost option. You could silence the complainers by approaching the hyundai dealership and requesting the vehicles be fitted with air bags at their first service? I'm sure the silence will be stunning

Posted By Philby' Eric, airbags can rarely be retrofitted...without some dudicious wiring, sensors and other associated bits and pieces...they usually have ECU's and may be linked to other safety items like seat belt pretensionors, fuel cut offs and the obligatory warning light on the dash! As for the original question, I tend to agree with previous posts that the drivers moans are more about status than safety. No I wouldn't have a Hyundai either, but then again I wouldnt have a beemer, ford or gm product...I know what I like and I'll buy my own thanks.... Presumably the drivers have a 'company car opt out for money option'...tell them to use it or lose it! Philby'