India has updated its crash test norms. All cars now require to have ABS, driver-side airbag, seat-belt reminder, speed alarms, etc and undergo rigid crash tests. Global NCAP, a body that tests cars for safety, has conducted the tests on a few sold-in-India cars under its #SaferCarsForIndia campaign.
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R and Ertiga, Hyundai Santro and Datsun Redigo were put to test and none received 5 stars. Till date, the only Indian car to receive 5 stars is the Tata Nexon.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga – 3 stars
Maruti’s MPV received a decent 3 stars. It scored 3 stars on adult protection and child protection. The car’s bodyshell was rated borderline unstable, specially the footwell region which exposes front-seat occupants to foot injuries.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R – 2 stars
Popular tall boy in its latest ‘big’ avatar has scored just 2 stars. The car’s bodyshell and footwell have been rated unstable. Head and neck protection was rated adequate while chest and knee protection wasn’t.
Hyundai Santro – 2 stars
The new Hyundai Santro received 2 star for adult and child protection. Similar to the Wagon R, the body structure and footwell were rated unstable as well.
Datsun Redigo – 1 star
Nissan’s sub-brand Datsun’s Redigo got just one star for adult protection but 2 stars for child protection. The body shell and footwell were found unstable. Head and neck protection for the front seat adult occupants was satisfactory, but chest protection for the driver wasn’t.
So Which Indian Cars Are Safe?
Global NCAP has tested quite a few Indian cars and here are the safest ones:
Tata Nexon – 5 stars
Maruti Vitara Brezza – 4 stars
Mahindra Marazzo – 4 stars
Tata Zest – 4 stars
Volkswagen Polo – 4 stars
Toyota Etios Liva – 4 stars
Hyundai Creta – 4 stars
Ford Aspire – 3 stars
Renault Duster – 3 stars
Maruti Dzire – 3 stars
