Then when it comes to choosing a car, safety is of paramount importance and in India the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP) ratings have become a must have in consumer’s consideration. In this comprehensive guide we’ll take a look at the safest cars in India for 2024, based on Global NCAP ratings. If you are looking for a new vehicle or perhaps interested in following automotive safety advancements, this article will serve as a guide as to which models come out on top and why car safety features matter.
How does the Global NCAP Rating System work?
It is an independent car safety assessment programme which gives the cars safety ratings according to the performance in a range of crash tests. It has a star rating system, highest of which is 5 stars. Both adult and child occupant protection are assessed in the tests so consumers can clearly understand the safety capabilities in a vehicle.
Particularly in India where road safety is a big issue, global NCAP ratings mean a lot. Ratings have prompted manufacturers to improve safety standard across their productlines leading to safer vehicles for Indian consumers.
We list out the cars that have achieved a 5-star Global NCAP rating in India.
In India, several cars have achieved the much coveted 5 star Global NCAP rating, setting a new standard for safety in the Indian automotive industry. Some of the standout performers include:
- Tata Nexon
- Mahindra XUV700
- Tata Punch
- Volkswagen Virtus
- Skoda Slavia
In crash tests, these vehicles have shown excellent performance, protecting both adult and child occupants. Their success has actually set the safety standards bar high in the Indian automotive market.
CRASH TESTS: Why did Tata Motors Become a Leader in Car Safety?
In India, Tata Motors has become a frontrunner in car safety as more models are getting top Global NCAP ratings. In the case of the company’s Nexon, Altroz and Punch, vehicles have secured a five star adult occupant protection rating, thanks to its commitment to safety.
What helped Tata’s way to success was its commitment to structural integrity, advanced safety features, and continuous improvements coming after viewing the crash test results. Safety has become a core part of its brand identity, and that has struck quite a chord with safety conscious Indian consumers.
What safety features are common in best rated cars?
Being the safest cars in India, these cars are generally equipped with all advanced safety features. Some common safety elements found in top-rated vehicles include:
- Most have multiple airbags (side and curtain airbags) Its has Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or ‘VSC’ (Vehicle Stability Control) is available.
- ISOFIX child seat anchors TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
- Hill Hold Assist Reverse parking sensors and cameras .
These features combine into a system that provides total protection for their occupants and helps to prevent accidents from ever happening.
What do SUV ratings look like in Global NCAP?
In general, SUVs have showed high ratings in Global NCAP ratings with some models getting great scores. SUV’s like the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari are prime example SUV’s that have been rated 5 star for protection of adult occupants.
The better crash performance is often achieved in the first instance due to the robust structure and higher seating position of SUVs. Nevertheless, ratings for SUVs can be quite different from one model to the next, and so consumers should check the specific ratings on the particular model they’re looking at acquiring.
Is There Such A Thing As A Safe Budget Friendly Option?
Not all of the safest cars are at the top end of the market, but among the highest rated there tends to be a good mix of premium and budget options. The Tata Punch, which is an affordable incarnation of compact SUV, has been able to get a 5-star Global NCAP rating.
Models such as Mahindra XUV300 and Tata Tiago other fairly priced vehicles with good safety records follow suit. Safety doesn’t always cost a premium and consumers looking to save money still can focus on safety when car shopping.
Let us have a look at how Maruti Suzuki has improved its safety ratings.
Recently, India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki has taken a big step forward towards improving the safety of its vehicles. In the past the company was criticized for the shoddy safety performance of some models, but it has since worked to spend heavily on new, safer, tougher structures and features.
Global NCAP tests recently have shown improved performance from recent models such as the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Swift, where the Brezza recently scored a 4 star rating. At the same time, the company has begun to provide a renewed safety focus, now offering the likes of six airbags as standard on some models.
How Important Are Child Safety in Global NCAP Ratings?
Global NCAP ratings include child safety, and vehicles are rated on their capability in protecting the child occupant in case of crash. Measured with regards to the effectiveness of child restraint systems, ISOFIX anchors, and child sized crash test dummies protected during collision.
Cars that perform well in child occupant protection often feature:
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Top tether anchorages Including — clear labeling for child seat installation Able to carry a broad gamut of child seats
When considering a vehicle’s safety rating, consumers with young children should pay closest attention to the scores issued for child occupant protection.
How can Consumers use me and tweak the Global NCAP Ratings when they buy a car?
A Global NCAP rating is a valuable tool for consumers in helping to choose which car to buy. Here are some tips for using these ratings effectively:
- See how the overall crash test results were for both adult and child occupant protection.
- Take a look at the overall scores in each area of assessment and beyond the star rating.
- Look at what unique safety features the model you are looking at offers.
- Compare ratings on similar models in a similar category.
- Keep in mind that safety ratings are only one of many things you should compare with each other along with things like fuel efficiency, performance and price.
Including Global NCAP ratings as part of consumers’ purchasing decision making can help them take a more informed decision on how safe their prospective new vehicle is.
Where is Car Safety heading in India?
Consumers are becoming more and more aware, which, along with stricter regulation, will take India’s car safety into the future. Some trends to watch for include:
With just introduction of more advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for the sale of mainstream models.
- Continued work to improve structural crash protection
- A greater emphasis on features which enhance pedestrian safety Further, we look at one of the reasons the industry resists change: potential adoption of more stringent safety standards and testing procedures.
With safety still so important to both consumers and the regulators, we’ll continue to see developments in vehicle safety technology and design in years to come.
What Global NCAP results have done to car safety standards in India it is hard to overstate. These ratings have not only revealed safest cars but also helped encouraging the manufacturers to make safety features a priority thereby making Indian roads better for all users. The future of safer vehicles looms in sight as consumers develop increasing safety consciousness and legislation progresses.
