Global NCAP, under its Safer Cars For India Campaign, has tested 25 mass-market models that are on sale in India. Recently, the organisation released the results of its latest round of crash tests. In the report published by them, many cars faired really poorly, with a crash protection rating of zero-star. On the other hand, some popular models, like the Maruti Vitara Brezza, have scored pretty well. Based on the results of these tests, here are the 5 safest cars in India under INR 10 lakh.
Safest Cars in India under 10 lakhs
Tata Nexon
The Tata Nexon has achieved a 4-star rating for the adult occupancy (13.56/17) and a three-star for child occupancy (25/49). The crash testing organisation has rated the body shell integrity of the Tata Nexon as ‘stable’ and has noted that it offers decent protection for the head and the neck of the driver and the front passenger. All trim levels of the sub-4-metre SUV offer dual front airbags, ABS and ISOFIX child-seat mounts as standard.
Toyota Etios Liva
The next model in the list of the safest cars in India under 10 lakhs is the Toyota Etios Liva. The most affordable model from Toyota Kirloskar Motor was tested by Global NCAP for the first time in 2016. It received a four-star rating for adult occupancy (13/17) and a two-star rating for child occupancy (20.02/49). While the updated version of the hatchback offers more safety features in the form of ABS with EBD and ISOFIX child-seat mounts, the model that was tested by Global NCAP came equipped only with dual-front airbags and front seat belts with pre-tensioners.
Tata Zest
In its first-ever crash test by Global NCAP, the Tata Zest scored a disappointing zero-star rating. Tata Motors was given another opportunity after it made improvements to car’s body structure and introduced dual-front airbags and seat-belt reminder for the driver. This version scored a four-star rating (11.15/17) in adult occupancy and two stars in child occupancy (15.52/49).
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, which is the highest-selling sub-4-metre SUV with an average monthly sales figure of 12,960 units (March 2018 – August 2018), has scored a four-star rating in the adult occupancy (12.51/17). It has managed to score a rating of only two stars in child occupancy (17.93/49). The low child safety rating is owing to the forward facing position of the 18-month old dummy in the test. The Vitara Brezza’s ISOFIX anchorages did not meet Global NCAP testing protocols.
Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo became one of the first made-in-India cars to be tested by Global NCAP, back in 2014. The model that was equipped with two airbags scored a four-star rating for adult occupancy (12.54 out of 17) and three stars for child occupancy (29.91/49). Now, dual-front airbags and ABS are standard since 2016.
