Whether it's 6 airbags, advanced driver assistance systems, or electronic stability control (ESC), many cars got these safety features this year. In 2023, Global NCAP crash-tested a total of 7 India-spec cars, including models from Maruti, Skoda, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Tata. Also, with the introduction of Bharat NCAP, India’s own crash test agency, Global NCAP will not be testing India-spec cars going forward. In 2022, Global NCAP updated its assessment protocols, mandating the inclusion of electronic stability control (ESC), along with mandatory side pole and pedestrian tests for cars. The results reported are in accordance with these updated Global NCAP protocols. In a recent round of crash tests conducted by Global NCAP in 2023, several popular Indian car models underwent rigorous evaluations, shedding light on their safety performances.
Maruti Wagon R
The Maruti Wagon R, a widely popular hatchback, underwent its second Global NCAP crash test in 2023. The footwell and bodyshell stability were flagged as areas of concern, both rated as unstable. Despite these ratings, Maruti has equipped the Wagon R with essential safety features, including dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and hill-hold assist (available on AMT variants).
Safety Features
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- Hill-hold assist (AMT variants)
Maruti Alto K10
Another Maruti model tested by Global NCAP is the Maruti Alto K10. While it scored a slightly higher 2 stars in adult occupant safety, its child occupant safety rating remained at 0 stars. The body-shell integrity was deemed stable, but the footwell area received an unstable rating. Safety features in the Maruti Alto K10 include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, a reversing camera, and rear parking sensors.
Safety Features
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Reversing camera
- Rear parking sensors
Volkswagen Virtus & Skoda Slavia
The Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia, sharing platforms and powertrain options, demonstrated impressive safety in the Global NCAP crash tests of 2023. Both sedans received a remarkable 5-star safety rating in both adult and child occupant safety categories. Despite having only dual front airbags, the body shells and footwell areas of both models were deemed stable and capable of withstanding further loadings. Safety features in both the Virtus and Slavia include up to six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear parking sensors, and a rear parking camera.
Safety Features
- Up to six airbags
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- Hill hold assist
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear parking camera
Hyundai Verna
The Hyundai Verna, having undergone a generational update in 2023 with added safety features such as 6 airbags and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), achieved a full 5-star safety rating in both adult and child safety. Despite a slightly lower adult occupant protection (AOP) score compared to the VW-Skoda sedans, the Verna stands as the first India-made Hyundai to receive a 5-star safety rating. The safety kit in the Verna also includes electronic stability control (ESC), front parking sensors, all-wheel disc brakes, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Safety Features
- 6 airbags
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- Front parking sensors
- All-wheel disc brakes
- Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Tata Harrier & Safari
Both the Tata Harrier and Safari underwent a significant midlife update in 2023, introducing a comprehensive list of new features. Tata has equipped the Harrier and Safari with an array of safety features, including up to seven airbags (6 as standard), electronic stability control (ESC), hill assist, a 360-degree camera, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which now includes adaptive cruise control.
Safety Features
- Up to seven airbags
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- Hill assist
- 360-degree camera
- Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) with adaptive cruise control
As a new era dawns with Bharat NCAP, aligning its testing guidelines with updated Global NCAP protocols, consumers can anticipate even more comprehensive safety assessments for cars sold in India.