It has been close to two years since the implementation of the new Global NCAP crash test protocol in July 2022. According to this updated protocol, a vehicle earns a 5-star rating if it meets specified criteria and adheres to ESC, pedestrian protection, side impact, and seat belt reminder standards set by Global NCAP. Thus far, 18 Indian-manufactured models have undergone testing under this revised protocol. However, the following list comprises only the top 10 safest cars and SUVs currently available in India, as evaluated by Global NCAP.
1.Tata Safari/Harrier
he flagship SUVs from Tata Motors, namely the Harrier and Safari, have recently undergone crash testing by Global NCAP and achieved an impressive full 5-star safety rating. Both the new Tata Harrier and Safari attained a score of 33.05 out of 34 points for adult occupant protection, with their body shells deemed “stable” and capable of enduring additional loads. Furthermore, in the side impact test utilizing a deformable barrier, these SUVs demonstrated “good protection” for the head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
In the child occupant protection tests, the Harrier and Safari facelifts scored 45 out of 49 points, meriting a 5-star rating. These SUVs come equipped with standard safety features such as six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), three-point seat belts with reminders for all seats, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and a tire pressure monitoring system.
2. Tata Nexon
After undergoing a third round of crash testing by Global NCAP following its 2023 facelift, the Nexon, which already boasted a 5-star rating, managed to further enhance its scores. It achieved an impressive 32.22 points out of a maximum of 34 for adult occupant protection (AOP) and 44.52 out of 49 for child occupant protection (COP), thereby maintaining its 5-star ratings in both categories. Remarkably, this also marked the second highest score for adult and child occupant safety in the Safer Cars For India campaign. Tata Motors made structural enhancements to the SUV with the facelift, contributing to these improved scores.
In the front impact, side-impact, and side pole impact tests, the Nexon demonstrated at least adequate protection across all aspects, except for the chest area in the side pole test. Notably, the Nexon facelift significantly surpassed its predecessor’s COP score; the Nexon received a 3-star rating for COP in 2018. Standard safety features on the Nexon include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), seat belt reminders, ISOFIX anchors, and a passenger airbag disabling switch.
3. Skoda Slavia/ Volkswagen Virtus
Similar to their SUV counterparts, both the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia achieved a 5-star safety rating. However, due to superior performance in adult occupant safety, the sedans hold a higher position on our ranking list. Scoring 29.71 out of a possible 34 points in adult occupant protection tests, including 14.2 points out of 17 in the side impact test with a deformable barrier, these midsize sedans stand out. Moreover, they both received an ‘OK’ rating in the side pole impact tests. Unlike the SUVs, the sedans successfully met both the UN 127 and GTR9 pedestrian safety standards.
In terms of child occupant protection, the Slavia and Virtus excelled by scoring 42 out of 49 points, earning them a 5-star rating. According to GNCAP’s report, the bodyshell and footwell area of both sedans remained stable and capable of enduring additional loads. Standard safety features such as dual airbags, ESC, traction control, and ISOFIX child seat mounts are included in both models.
4. Volkswagen Taigun/ Skoda Kushaq
These midsize SUVs from Volkswagen and Skoda, sharing the same platform, have garnered identical scores. Both the Kushaq and Taigun were the inaugural cars to undergo testing using the updated protocol, achieving a commendable 5-star rating. In the adult occupant protection test, they amassed 29.64 points out of 34. Global NCAP employed a two-airbag configuration for these SUVs, while a six-airbag version was utilized for the side pole impact test. In the former, they achieved a score of 14.5 out of 17, and for the latter, they received an ‘OK’ rating. Moreover, both SUVs complied with UN 127 pedestrian safety standards but fell short of meeting the GTR9 norms.
Furthermore, they attained a 5-star rating in the child occupant protection test, amassing 42 points out of 49. Testers also affirmed the stability of the SUVs’ bodyshell, deeming it capable of enduring additional loads. Standard safety features on both models include dual airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
5. Mahindra Scorpio-N
