Since the introduction of Global NCAP’s revised crash test protocols in July 2022, a total of 19 Indian-made models have been assessed. These tests highlight significant improvements in vehicle safety, with half of the tested models receiving a 5-star rating—an encouraging trend compared to the start of the Safer Cars for India campaign a decade ago. Below is a summary of all the Indian cars and SUVs that have been crash-tested by Global NCAP under the new safety norms.
It’s worth noting that Global NCAP is likely to conduct fewer tests on Indian models, as India now has its own Bharat NCAP safety assessment program, which has already begun evaluating cars.
15. Citroen eC3 – 0 Stars (20.86 points) Tested on March 21, 2024, the Citroen eC3 electric hatchback received a dismal 0-star rating, with low scores in adult occupant protection (AOP). Despite scoring 20.86/34 in AOP, it lacked key safety features such as ESC and seatbelt reminders, and failed to meet pedestrian safety standards. Its child protection score was similarly poor, earning just 1 star with 10.55/49 points.
14. Maruti Suzuki Ignis – 1 Star (16.48 points) The Maruti Ignis scored a low 1 star in adult occupant protection, with a total score of 16.48/34 in AOP. It received a zero-star rating for child occupant protection, earning only 3.86/49 points. The Ignis lacked ESC at the time of testing, and its body shell was deemed unstable.
13. Maruti Suzuki Swift – 1 Star (19.19 points) Tested in December 2022, the Maruti Swift earned just 1 star for AOP with 19.19 points. Despite improvements in some areas, the model’s body shell was found unstable, and it did not meet pedestrian safety requirements. For child occupant protection, it received a dismal 16.68/49 points.
12. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R – 1 Star (19.69 points) The Wagon R scored 19.69 points for AOP, earning a 1-star rating. The test revealed an unstable body shell and footwell, as well as inadequate child protection, with a zero-star rating in this category.
11. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso – 1 Star (20.03 points) The S-Presso’s 1-star rating came after scoring 20.03/34 points in adult occupant protection. It lacked side head protection, and its body shell was unstable. Child protection was equally poor, with a zero-star rating for COP, earning only 3.52/49 points.
10. Mahindra Bolero Neo – 1 Star (20.26 points) The Mahindra Bolero Neo received a 1-star rating with a score of 20.26 points in AOP. The vehicle’s footwell and body shell were unstable, and it lacked side-facing airbags for third-row passengers. The vehicle also performed poorly in child protection, scoring 12.71/49 points, earning a 1-star rating.
9. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 – 2 Stars (21.67 points) The Alto K10 scored 21.67 points for AOP, earning a 2-star rating. While the body shell was stable, the car lacked curtain airbags and failed to meet pedestrian safety norms. In child protection, the Alto K10 earned a zero-star rating with 3.52/49 points.
8. Honda Amaze – 2 Stars (27.85 points) The Honda Amaze compact sedan scored 27.85 points for AOP, earning a 2-star rating. Despite its stable body shell, the Amaze received poor scores for child occupant protection, earning only 8.58/49 points and a zero-star rating.
7. Kia Carens – 3 Stars (22.07 points) The Kia Carens received a 3-star rating with 22.07/34 points in AOP after improvements in safety features. Initially, it received a zero-star rating, but after enhancements to the restraint systems, it earned a 3-star score. Child protection was strong, with a 5-star rating (41/49 points).
6. Hyundai Verna – 5 Stars (28.18 points) Hyundai’s Verna achieved a 5-star rating with 28.18/34 points in AOP. Despite an unstable body shell, the Verna’s side pole impact performance was commendable. In COP tests, it scored 42/49 points, earning a 5-star rating.
5. Mahindra Scorpio N – 5 Stars (29.25 points) The Mahindra Scorpio N secured a 5-star rating, scoring 29.25/34 points in AOP. The SUV provided good protection in side-impact tests and met pedestrian safety standards. It earned a 3-star rating for child occupant protection, scoring 28.93/49 points.
4. Volkswagen Taigun/Skoda Kushaq – 5 Stars (29.64 points) Both the Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq received 5-star ratings with identical scores of 29.64 points in AOP. The SUVs showed excellent results in side-impact and pedestrian safety tests. They earned a 5-star rating for child occupant protection, with 42/49 points.
3. Volkswagen Virtus/Skoda Slavia – 5 Stars (29.71 points) Both the Virtus and Slavia sedans received a 5-star rating for AOP, with a high score of 29.71/34 points. The models excelled in side-impact tests and achieved a 5-star rating for child protection with 42/49 points.
2. Maruti Suzuki Dzire – 5 Stars (31.24 points) The newly launched Maruti Dzire earned a 5-star rating with impressive scores of 31.24/34 in AOP and 39.20/49 in COP. It received excellent protection in side-impact tests and was equipped with six airbags, ESC, and other advanced safety features.
1. Tata Nexon – 5 Stars (32.22 points) The Tata Nexon continues to perform exceptionally well, earning a 5-star rating with 32.22/34 points in AOP and 44.52/49 points in COP. The Nexon improved its scores over previous tests and continues to lead in both adult and child occupant protection.
1. Tata Harrier/Safari – 5 Stars (33.05 points) The Tata Harrier and Safari, Tata’s flagship SUVs, achieved the highest rating yet, with a score of 33.05/34 points in AOP. Both vehicles provided excellent protection in side-impact tests and scored 45/49 points in child occupant protection, also earning a 5-star rating.
These results show a positive shift in the safety standards of Indian vehicles, with more manufacturers prioritizing occupant protection and meeting global safety norms.
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