Global NCAP's initiative has played a pivotal role in propelling the automobile industry in India toward a constant state of evolution. With evolving consumer demands, manufacturers are diligently working to meet the changing needs of the market. A significant recent trend in the industry is the heightened focus on vehicle safety, with consumers becoming increasingly conscious of the safety ratings of automobiles. Under the aegis of the #safercarsforindia campaign, Global NCAP conducts annual crash tests on several cars available in the Indian market. As reported by HT Auto, in the latest round of tests conducted in 2023, a notable achievement has been witnessed as five cars demonstrated exceptional safety performance. These vehicles not only met but surpassed the stringent safety standards set by Global NCAP, further emphasising the industry's commitment to producing safer vehicles for the Indian market.
Key Points
1. Tata Altroz: Setting New Safety Standards: Tata Altroz, a premium hatchback, has gained recognition for its robust structural integrity and commitment to safety. Combining style and safety, the Altroz is a top choice for those seeking a comprehensive package.
2. Mahindra XUV700: Flagship SUV with Exemplary Safety: Mahindra's flagship SUV, the XUV700, not only boasts bold design and powerful performance but also excels in safety features. With advanced technologies, it ensures a luxurious ride while prioritizing the safety of its occupants.
3. Volkswagen Taigun: The Volkswagen Taigun made a significant impact in the Indian market with its strong chassis and top-notch safety features. Incorporating German engineering, the Taigun offers a premium driving experience coupled with the assurance of safety.
4. Toyota Glanza: Efficiency and Safety Combined: The Toyota Glanza, a result of collaboration between Toyota and Maruti Suzuki, stands out for its fuel efficiency and safety features. Beyond its economical aspects, the Glanza ensures the safety of its occupants, making it an ideal choice for urban commuters.
5. Ford EcoSport: Compact SUV with Strong Safety Credentials: Celebrated for its compact size and SUV capabilities, the Ford EcoSport impresses with its safety features.
6. Nissan Magnite: Compact SUV Punching Above Its Weight: The Nissan Magnite gained attention for its affordability, bold design, and commendable safety features in the compact SUV segment. Despite its size, the Magnite excels in safety, showcasing Nissan's dedication to providing a secure driving environment.
7. Volvo XC40: For those seeking luxury and uncompromising safety, the Volvo XC40 stands out. As a premium SUV, the XC40 combines opulence with advanced safety technologies, earning top honors in safety assessments.
If you have specific questions about any of these models or if you'd like more detailed information, feel free to let me know!
Tata Safari and Harrier
Tata Motors initiated the push for safer cars in India with the introduction of the Nexon, marking a significant milestone in the automotive industry. However, there was a notable delay in subjecting the Harrier and Safari models to crash tests. It was only with the facelifts that Tata Motors finally took these SUVs to Global NCAP for evaluation, and they achieved the highest rating in the crash tests.
Additionally, the Harrier and Safari made history by being the first vehicles tested by Bharat NCAP. Given that both SUVs are built on Land Rover's Omegarc platform, their shared safety rating and features are in line with this common foundation.
Hyundai Verna
The revelation was unexpected for many when the Hyundai Verna achieved a remarkable 5-star rating in the Global NCAP crash test. This marks a significant achievement as it is the first domestically manufactured Hyundai car to attain such a high safety rating. Launched in the Indian market this year, the new generation of the Verna has demonstrated decent sales performance. Notably, the crash test conducted by Global NCAP for the Hyundai Verna was among the final tests carried out voluntarily for India.
Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia Volkswagen
The Global NCAP crash test awarded 5-star ratings to both the Virtus and Skoda Slavia sedans. These vehicles are part of the manufacturer's India 2.0 strategy and share the MQB-A0-IN platform. Notably, this platform is also employed in the Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq, both of which also achieved a commendable 5-star rating in their respective crash tests.