Safety has become one of the biggest priorities for Indian car buyers in recent years. With stricter norms, growing awareness, and independent crash tests conducted by Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, carmakers are now compelled to design vehicles that meet higher safety benchmarks.
But even as safety gains importance, affordability remains key, and cars priced under ₹10 lakh continue to dominate India’s sales charts. The good news? Buyers no longer need to compromise—there are multiple models in this price band that proudly wear a 5-star safety badge.
Here’s a complete list of cars priced below ₹10 lakh that have achieved top scores in Bharat NCAP, Global NCAP, or both.
8. Tata Curvv
Starting Price: ₹10 lakh*
Tata’s new coupe-SUV just manages to squeeze into the sub-₹10 lakh bracket with its entry-level Smart variant. The upcoming GST revisions are set to make it even more accessible. In Bharat NCAP’s tests, the Curvv secured 29.50/32 in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 43.66/49 in Child Occupant Protection (COP).
Safety highlights (standard): six airbags, hill-hold control, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program (ESP), reverse parking sensors, and seatbelt reminders for all passengers.
7. Tata Punch EV
Starting Price: ₹9.99 lakh
The Punch EV is the only electric model on this list, and also the highest-rated for adult protection. It scored 31.46/32 in AOP and 45/49 in COP, making it one of the safest compact EVs available in India.
Standard safety kit: six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), hill-hold assist, ISOFIX mounts, auto door unlock on impact, and reverse parking sensors.
6. Kia Syros
Starting Price: ₹9.50 lakh
The Syros marked Kia’s debut in Bharat NCAP crash testing, and it impressed right away with 30.21/32 in AOP and 44.42/49 in COP. This compact SUV packs a rich safety suite even in its lower trims.
Key features: six airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD, hill-hold control, vehicle stability management (VSM), ISOFIX child seat mounts, TPMS, and 3-point seatbelts with reminders across rows.
5. Skoda Kylaq
Starting Price: ₹8.25 lakh
Skoda’s India-first compact SUV proved that affordability doesn’t come at the cost of safety. With 30.88/32 in AOP and 45/49 in COP, the Kylaq sits at the very top for child protection scores.
Safety package includes: six airbags, electronic differential lock, traction control, roll-over protection, brake disc wiping, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, and ABS with EBD.
4. Mahindra XUV 3XO
Starting Price: ₹7.99 lakh
Mahindra’s entry-level SUV doesn’t skimp on protection. With 29.36/32 in AOP and 43/49 in COP, the XUV 3XO continues the brand’s strong record in crash safety.
Standard kit: six airbags, ESC, ISOFIX child seat mounts, reverse parking sensors, and full 3-point seatbelts with reminders.
3. Tata Nexon
Starting Price: ₹7.99 lakh
The Nexon is unique on this list as the only car with 5-star ratings from both Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP. It scored 29.41/32 (AOP) and 43.83/49 (COP) in Bharat NCAP, and 32.22/34 (AOP) and 44.52/49 (COP) in Global NCAP.
Safety features: six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, ISOFIX mounts, reverse parking sensors, and seatbelt reminders for all occupants.
2. Maruti Suzuki Dzire
Starting Price: ₹6.84 lakh
India’s most popular compact sedan is also one of the safest. Like the Nexon, it carries 5-star ratings from both Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP. Scores stand at 29.46/32 (AOP) and 41.57/49 (COP) in Bharat NCAP, while Global NCAP awarded it 31.24/34 (AOP) and 39.20/49 (COP).
Standard safety equipment: six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill-hold assist, ISOFIX mounts, reverse parking sensors, overspeed alerts, and 3-point seatbelts with reminders.
1. Nissan Magnite
Starting Price: ₹5.62 lakh
The Magnite is currently India’s most affordable 5-star rated car, tested by Global NCAP. It secured 26.51/34 in AOP and 36/49 in COP.
Safety features include: six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, vehicle dynamic control (VDC), hill-hold assist, ISOFIX mounts, TPMS, overspeed alerts, and 3-point seatbelts with reminders.
Final Thoughts
For years, budget buyers had to compromise between affordability and safety. That’s no longer the case. From hatchbacks and sedans to compact SUVs—and even an EV—there are now several 5-star rated cars under ₹10 lakh in India. With growing awareness and stricter norms, the list is only set to expand, giving buyers peace of mind without stretching their budget.
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