In the latest round of made-in-India crash test reports, Global NCAP has given the Renault Kwid and Honda Mobilio (base variants) one and zero star ratings respectively. The base version of the Renault Kwid, that comes without airbags, has achieved one star for adult occupant protection in the frontal collision test. As a reminder, the Kwid failed the Indian crash tests carried out by Global NCAP in May 2016. The standard model of the hatchback had received a zero for adult protection and two stars for child protection.
The base version of the Honda Mobilio too failed without airbags. On the other hand, the top-spec model of the Mobilio, with dual airbags protection, has scored a 3 star rating during in the test. The driver and passenger’s head and neck protection was measured as good, the driver and passenger’s chest protection was rated as marginal and adequate respectively. Structurally, the car performed good.
Commenting on the Global NCAP results, David Ward, Secretary General of Global NCAP said, “Renault and Honda make safe cars in other markets, they have the know-how to make all their Indian cars much safer. We expect them to start doing so now.”
Rohit Baluja, president of the Institute of Road Traffic Education, said: “The automobile industry in India is fast progressing, however a safety-systems approach is not yet a priority. Customers are not yet aware how safe are the cars they are purchasing in case they meet up with frontal crashes when at higher speeds. In these tests, both Honda and Renault have demonstrated that they can offer safer cars to the Indian market. Automobile manufacturers should not enhance safety features as an option; rather safety should be an uncompromising standard.”
