By Jahanvi
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Safety is growing all the more indispensable for Indian car buyers. The benchmarking of safety standards of vehicles has come in the form of the Global New Car Assessment Program (GNCAP).
Safety is growing all the more indispensable for Indian car buyers. The benchmarking of safety standards of vehicles has come in the form of the Global New Car Assessment Program (GNCAP). Of late, with growing awareness regarding road safety and spiking accidents on Indian roads, these seem to be becoming necessary considerations in addition to design, performance, and mileage, while purchasing a car.
In 2024, several models achieved top ratings in GNCAP tests for adult and child occupant protection. Here's a closer look at the safest cars in India, the features, and the safety measures that made them earn such commendable ratings.
The Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP) is a pivotal initiative aimed at enhancing vehicle safety worldwide. Established to evaluate the crashworthiness of new cars, GNCAP conducts rigorous crash tests that simulate real-world collisions, assessing how well vehicles protect occupants during accidents. The program provides safety ratings based on critical parameters, including adult and child occupant protection, structural integrity, and the effectiveness of safety technologies.
GNCAP's importance lies in its role as a trusted resource for consumers, enabling them to make informed decisions when purchasing vehicles. With rising road safety concerns and increasing accident rates, GNCAP ratings have become essential benchmarks for manufacturers to improve vehicle safety standards.
By promoting transparency and competition among automakers, GNCAP plays a crucial role in reducing fatalities and serious injuries on the roads, ultimately contributing to safer driving environments globally.
Driver safety ratings and child safety ratings are critical assessments that evaluate how well vehicles protect occupants during accidents. Driver safety ratings focus on features such as airbags, seatbelt effectiveness, and crashworthiness, while child safety ratings assess the effectiveness of child restraint systems and overall protection for young passengers.
These ratings are essential for consumers, as they provide valuable insights into a vehicle's safety performance. Prioritizing these ratings when purchasing a car helps ensure the well-being of all occupants, fostering a safer driving environment and reducing the risk of injuries in the event of a collision.
Tata Motors has been the flagbearer of vehicle safety in India, and the Tata Curvv and its electric variant Curvv EV are examples, with both variants receiving the five-star GNCAP rating, where Curvv EV has performed slightly better than its petrol counterpart. Tata's focus on proper build quality, ADAS, and cutting-edge protection technology in a crash has placed the Curvv series as the leader in safety.
Key features:
The Tata Nexon has long been revered for being one of the first Indian cars to achieve a five-star GNCAP rating. This 2024 saw both Nexon and Nexon EV carry forward the legacy by scoring slightly better with Nexon EV. Advanced structural design and leading safety technologies are provided.
Some Important Features
The rugged Mahindra Thar Roxx has garnered acclaim for its robust design and commendable GNCAP scores. Designed for adventure enthusiasts, this SUV combines off-road capabilities with occupant safety, making it a preferred choice for thrill-seekers.
Key Features:
Mahindra's XUV 3XO is a reflection of the brand's dedication to safety. The sub-compact SUV has achieved a five-star GNCAP rating and scores high in both adult and child occupant protection.
Key Features:
Hyundai's Tucson raises the bar for safety performance in mid-size SUVs with the five-star rating. Equipped with cutting-edge modern safety technologies, the vehicle delivers holistic protection to its passengers.
Key Features:
Tata's flagship SUVs, Harrier and Safari, have topped safety ratings. Both the models have achieved 33.05 points in adult occupant protection and 45 points in child occupant protection. These SUVs are for families, providing a maximum number of safety features.
Key Features:
Side Impact Protection: The door panels are reinforced to enhance side-impact resistance.
Electronic Parking Brake: Enhances control on inclines and declines.
Seven-Seater Safety: The occupants are protected at all levels.
The Volkswagen Virtus sedan is a testament to the brand's engineering as it received a five-star rating in safety. Its high level of safety features will surely attract those who look for a safe, premium sedan.
Features:
Model | GNCAP Rating | Adult Occupant Score | Child Occupant Score | No. of airbags | Electronic Stability Program (ESP) | Corner Stability Control | Hill Hold Assist | Panic Brake Alert | Rear parking sensor | Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) |
Tata Curvv | 5 stars | 29.50/32.00 | 43.66/49.00 | 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tata Curvv EV | 5 stars | 30.81/32.00 | 44.83/49.00 | 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tata Nexon | 5 stars | 29.41/32 | 43.83/49 | 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tata Nexon EV | 5 stars | 29.86/32 | 44.95/49 | 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tata Punch EV | 5 stars | 31.46/32 | 45/49 | 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mahindra Thar Roxx | High | 31.09/32 | 45/49 | 2 | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mahindra XUV300 | 5 stars | 16.42 | 4 stars | 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Hyundai Tucson | 5 stars | 30.84/32 | 41/49 | 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Citroen C3 | 5 stars | 12.21/40 | 5.93/50 | 4 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tata Harrier | 5 stars | 33.05 | 45 | 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tata Safari | 5 stars | 33.05 | 45 | 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Volkswagen Virtus | 5 stars | 29.71 | 42 | 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
GNCAP Rating: Safety ratings determined by crash tests.
Adult and Child Occupant Scores: Points scored in GNCAP’s evaluation of safety for adults and children.
No. of Airbags: The number of airbags offered for crash protection.
ESP (Electronic Stability Program): Stabilizes the vehicle during sharp turns.
Corner Stability Control: Enhances grip while cornering.
Hill Hold Assist: Prevents rollback on inclines.
Panic Brake Alert: Alerts nearby drivers when brakes are applied suddenly.
Rear Parking Sensor: Assists drivers in reverse parking.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): Prevents wheels from locking during braking for better control.
In 2024, the Indian automobile market showed great promise for safety with several models achieving five-star GNCAP ratings. Compact EVs like the Tata Punch EV to the sturdy SUVs like Mahindra XUV300-there's a safe vehicle for every buyer's taste and budget. These ratings indicate how far manufacturers have gone in enhancing the standards of safety for vehicles on the roads.
As consumers, understanding these safety benchmarks helps make informed decisions, ultimately prioritizing the well-being of passengers. When choosing your next car, consider these top-rated models for a safer driving experience.
Stay safe, drive smart, and let these GNCAP-rated vehicles be your guide to a secure journey!
Which car has the best child safety rating in 2024?
In 2024, the Tata Punch EV and Volkswagen Virtus stand out as the cars with the best child safety ratings, both achieving impressive scores in the Global NCAP tests.
What are the top safety features in cars with 5-star child safety ratings?
Cars with 5-star child safety ratings are equipped with essential features such as ISOFIX anchors for secure child seat installation, multiple airbags for comprehensive protection, electronic stability control to maintain stability, child safety locks, speed sensing door locks, and advanced driver assistance systems to prevent accidents, ensuring maximum safety for young passengers.
How do safety ratings impact car sales?
Safety ratings significantly influence car sales by guiding consumer choices. Over 65% of buyers prioritize these ratings, as high scores from organizations like Global NCAP enhance a vehicle's appeal, helping manufacturers market their cars and ultimately driving sales.
Also Read: Tata Motors’ Success in 2024: Balancing Growth with Market Dynamics