In a significant development, the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) has initiated crash tests, and Tata Motors' micro SUV, the Punch, has been photographed with curtain airbags in the latest crash test result images. According to this finding the Tata Punch's airbag count might be increased by six which would significantly enhance its safety features.
Current Safety Features and Previous Ratings
As of the latest available information, the Tata Punch is equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, and rear parking sensors complemented by a parking camera. In its earlier Global NCAP crash tests under the older testing regime, the Punch achieved an outstanding five-star safety rating. Specifically, it secured 16.45 points out of 17 for adult protection and 40.89 points out of 49 for child protection and this accolade positioned the Punch as the most affordable car in the Indian market with a 5-star safety rating.
Potential Six Airbags Upgrade
The recent images showcased on the Bharat NCAP website depict the Tata Punch with six airbags, suggesting a possible safety upgrade for the micro SUV and this move aligns seamlessly with Tata Motors' overarching commitment to prioritizing safety as a paramount aspect of its vehicle offerings.
Bharat NCAP: India's Indigenous Crash Safety Program
Bharat NCAP stands as India's indigenous car assessment crash safety program, succeeding Global NCAP for testing cars destined for the Indian market. The testing criteria closely adhere to the norms set by Global NCAP, involving the crash testing of three units of the base variant of the nominated model. Customers will receive crucial insights into the actual safety performance of cars available in India thanks to the Bharat NCAP results and ratings.
Competitive Landscape and Potential Impact
With the potential upgrade to six airbags, the Tata Punch aims to fortify its standing in terms of safety, aligning itself with competitors such as the Hyundai Exter, which already provides six airbags as standard. It's worth noting that the Exter's crash test results from any NCAP are currently pending.
Anticipation for Crash Test Scores
While images of the Tata Punch and Kia Sonet undergoing crash tests are available on the Bharat NCAP website, the actual crash test scores are eagerly anticipated and these scores will play a pivotal role in objectively assessing the real-world safety performance of these popular models.
Conclusion
The car industry's dedication to raising safety standards in India is demonstrated by the Tata Punch's possible upgrade to six airbags in the Bharat NCAP crash tests. As consumers eagerly await the official crash test scores this development signals a positive step toward enhancing the safety features of vehicles in the Indian market furthering the cause of road safety and occupant protection.