Indian car manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing the integration of more safety features into their vehicle models, reflecting a growing awareness among consumers regarding safety standards. With advancements in safety technologies such as ADAS, customers now consider these features essential when purchasing a new car. However, despite this evolving trend, several popular models manufactured in India have demonstrated poor performance in safety tests, raising concerns about their overall safety levels.
One such example is the Citroen eC3,
An electric hatchback produced by the French auto giant Citroen. The eC3 received a dismal zero-star rating in safety crash tests conducted by Global NCAP, with the results described as “appalling.” Weak protection for the driver’s chest and inadequate shielding for the passenger’s chest contributed to the zero-star rating for adult occupant protection. Additionally, the eC3 received only one star for child occupant protection due to the absence of three-point seat belts in all positions and the lack of a passenger airbag disconnection switch.
Similarly, the Maruti WagonR,
A popular hatchback from Maruti Suzuki, exhibited disappointing safety performance in Global NCAP crash tests, receiving just a one-star rating. The WagonR scored poorly in child protection tests, earning a zero-star rating in that category. Likewise, the Maruti Swift, another offering from Maruti Suzuki, received a subpar one-star safety rating in both adult and child occupant protection categories in 2022.
Another model that underwent Global NCAP crash tests in 2022,
Maruti S-Presso,
It received a meager one-star safety rating. Although it provided adequate frontal impact protection for the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck, insufficient protection for the driver’s chest resulted in a one-star rating. Additionally, marginal protection was observed for the driver’s knees.
Lastly, The Renault Kwid,
An entry-level hatchback from the French auto giant, demonstrated poor safety performance in crash tests conducted by Global NCAP. Despite its commercial success, the Kwid received only a one-star safety rating in both adult and child protection tests, highlighting significant safety concerns.