Under its Safer Cars for India programe, the global automotive safety watchdog has tested several models across different segments. The initiative made a profound impact on buying trends among Indian buyers. Now, customers prefer their cars to be safer along with a bunch of advanced connectivity features and attractive design. Here’re key details of India’s top 5 SUVs that scored 5 star safety rating in Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) crash tests.
The list includes 2 Tata SUVs (Punch and Nexon) and 3 Mahindra SUVs (XUV300, XUV700 and Thar).
Tata Punch
Tata’s new mini SUV – Punch – was subjected to Global NCAP crash test in October 2021. The model achieved a full, 5-star safety rating for adult occupant protection and 4-star rating for child occupant safety. It scored 16.45 points out of 17 for the former and 40.89 points out of 49 for the latter. The SUV’s safety kit includes dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, brake sway control, Isofix child seat mounts, high speed alert and seatbelt reminder.
Tata Nexon
Tata Nexon is the brand’s first and India’s first model to receive 5-star rating in Global NCAP. The test model was equipped with the seat belt reminder for both driver and front passenger. With this feature, it met the UN95 side impact protection requirements and managed to pass the side-impact test. It scored 16.06 pints out of 17 for adult occupant protection and provided good protection to the 18-month old child-test dummy. It comes with the Isofix Child Restraint System (CRS) and Isofix anchorages.
Mahindra XUV300
Mahindra XUV300 is the third Made-in-India car to receive 5 star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests. The subcompact SUV achieved a 5-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 4-star rating for child occupant protection. Its structure and footwell area were rated as stable. On the safety front, the model offers dual airbags, ABS with EBD, cornering brake control, front seatbelt reminder, all disc brakes and a passenger airbag deactivation switch.
Mahindra XUV700
Under the #SaferCarsForIndia campaign, the Mahindra XUV700 achieved 5 star safety rating for adult passenger protection and 4 star rating for child occupant protection. The tested model was packed with features such as dual airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Isofix anchorages. Its bodyshell and footwell area were rated as stable.
Mahindra Thar
The new-generation Mahindra Thar was subjected to Global NCAP in November 2020. It’s the safest off-road SUV in the country. The tested model had basic safety fitments and complied with the side impact UN95 regulations. The off-road SUV managed to score 12.52 points out of 17 in adult safety and 41.11 points out of 49 in child safety.
