Looking to buy a new car? While you’re on the hunt for the latest features, unmatched performance, and stylish design, you must not forget to evaluate the safety features. And the best way to determine the safety level of a car is through the NCAP rating.
To promote the universal adoption of motor vehicles and safety standards, the Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) issues a safety rating from one to five, five being the highest score for safety.
Whether you’re planning to buy a sedan, hatchback, or SUV, here’s a list of the top 10 cars with the best NCAP crash test rating to help you prioritise your safety.
1. Tata Nexon
With a 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine that has 120Ps power and 170Nm of torque, Tata Nexon is the first car made in India to receive a 5-star rating from the Global NCAP crash test. Under the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) category, this SUV received 16.06 points out of 17 points.
Here are some safety features that achieved an NCAP crash test rating of five stars:
- Dual Airbags in the front
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Crash Sensor
- Seat belt warning
- Electronic Transaction Control
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
- Emergency Brake Assist
- Hill Hold Assist
- International Standard Organisation Fix (ISOFIX) child seat
2. Mahindra XUV300
Mahindra XUV300 was the first model from the Mahindra brand to receive a 5-star rating from NCAP.
It scored 16.42 out of the maximum 17 points in the AOP category, which was a 5-star rating. In the COP category, XUV300 received a 4-star rating, which was 37.44 points out of the 49 points.
Apart from the standard kit of airbags, rear disc brakes, and rear parking sensors, the high-spec variant comes packed with powerful features like front parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and more, placing it higher in NCAP ratings.
3. Tata Punch
Tata Motors never disappoints us when it comes to the sustainability of cars. The Tata Punch, categorised as a micro-SUV car, is a recent addition to the top safest cars in India, achieving an NCAP crash test rating of 5 stars. It is one of the best cars in the affordable range, providing the look and feel of a premium hatchback with an SUV appeal.
In the Global NCAP crash test, Punch scored 16.45 out of the 17 points, which was the upper limit in the AOP category, and an impressive score of 40.89 out of the 49 points in the COP category.
4. Mahindra Thar
It is no surprise that Mahindra’s another car makes it on NCAP’s rating of the safest cars. Mahindra Thar is a stylish lifestyle off-road SUV. It has an NCAP score of 12.52 points out of 17or, a 4-star rating in the AOP category. The rating under the COP category is also 4-star, with a score of 41.11 points out of the total 49 points.
Available in three powerful engine variants, Mahindra Thar provides good support and protection to the driver and the passenger’s chest, with a crash sensor and interior roll cage, taking car safety to the next level.
5. Tata Altroz
After Tata introduced the “Gold Standard in Safety” in the Altroz, it became the first premium hatchback from Tata to receive the Global NCAP rating of 5-stars in India, and thus one of the safest hatchbacks in the country.
Under the AOP category, Altroz scored 16.13 points of the total 17 points. However, it received only a 3-star rating under the COP category. Currently, you will find Altroz cars with a 5-speed manual gearbox, but if you prefer an automatic gearbox, then Tata is expected to introduce that shortly.
Some of the best safety features of Tata Altroz include-
- Two frontal airbags
- ISOFIX mounts
- ABS with EBD
- Parking Assist
- Height adjustable seat belts
- Corner Stability Control (CSC)
- Fog lambs
- Reverse parking camera
6. Mahindra XUV700
Mahindra has dominated the Indian automobile industry with stylish off-road and on-road cars with unique specifications. The Mahindra XUV700 received an impressive Global NCAP rating of 5-stars.
In the AOP category, XUV700 scored 16.03 points out of 17 points and a 4-star rating in the COP category with an impressive 41.66 out of 49 points.
The XUV700 comes with a powerful 2.0L Turbo petrol engine with 200 Ps of power and 380Nm of torque, similar to the Mahindra Thar. And a 2.2L diesel engine with a capacity of 185Ps of power and 450Nm of torque.
Some safety features of the SUV that assisted in passing the NCAP crash test are:
- Electronic Stability Control
- Crash Sensor
- Lane-keeping assistance
- Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)
- Forward collision alerts
- Smart Pilot Assist
- Personalised safety reminders
- Driver drowsiness level detection
7. Tata Tigor
If you’re looking for an affordable hatchback with superior design and premium safety features, Tata Tigor and Tata EV will not disappoint you. With an excellent Global NCAP rating of 4-stars in the AOP category and a 3-star rating in the COP category, Tata EV is the first electric vehicle (EV) to go through the NCAP test and received 12 out of 17 points.
Here’s a list of safety features that make Tata Tigor and Tata EV a great choice-
- Dual Airbags
- Central locking
- Crash Sensor
- Child safety locks
- Rear camera
- Corner Stability Control
- ABS with EBD
- Follow me home lamps
However, without ISOFIX child seat mounts, the safety ratings dropped for both Tata Tigor and Tata EV.
8. Mahindra Marazzo
Mahindra Marazzo is a multi-purpose vehicle (MVP) among India’s top 5 safest cars. In the NCAP crash test, Marazzo scored 4-stars in the AOP category with 12.85 points out of the total 17 points and only 2-stars in the COP category with 22.22 points out of 49 points. The impact-sensing automatic door lock, parking sensors, and seat belt reminder features make it an excellent choice for buyers looking for a stylish family SUV.
9. Volkswagen Polo
A big name in the Indian automobile market, Volkswagen has an impressive line-up of cars with the latest safety features. With a Global NCAP rating of 4 stars, Volkswagen Polo is a compact, fun, and comfortable ride for you and your family. Not to mention, its solid build and smooth performance make it a safe car on the road.
Check out Volkswagen Polo for its safety features, including cruise control, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and more.
10. Honda Jazz
Honda Jazz is a premium hatchback that is the second highest rated hatchback to receive a 4-stars rating by the NCAP. Competing with leading cars like Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, and Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Jazz is an example of Honda’s excellent technology and attention to comfort
According to the Global NCAP crash test, Jazz offers adequate protection to the driver’s and passenger’s neck and head. This premium hatchback boasts unmatched safety features like impact-sensing headrests, airbags, engine immobiliser, and more. So, if you’re looking for an affordable ride with comfortable interiors for your family, Honda Jazz is a winner.
In conclusion
NCAP scrutinises the safety aspect of a vehicle to provide a realistic understanding. So, evaluate the safety ratings to make an informed decision when purchasing a new car.
If you found the list helpful but are short on funds, then avail a car loan at Tata Capital. With a simple application process and instant disbursal, your dream car is now just a click away! Visit our website to know more about our affordable loan offerings.
16 February 2024
7 mins read
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