The popular hatchback Maruti Swift and the entry level hatch Datsun Go have both failed the latest rounds of the Global New Car Assessment Program (Global NCAP) crash tests. The Global NCAP results are indicative of how safe a car is on the road, and in the event of a crash. To get certified, the car in question must have airbags and Anti-lock Braking System at the very least.
The Swift sold in India does not come with airbags or ABS as standard, and the one tested did not have them either – it got a zero-star rating for the assessment program for adult occupant safety and one star for child occupant safety. The driver received near-fatal injuries because of the lack of airbags (based on the readings from the crash test dummy), and the structure of the Swift disintegrated poorly. The test results also indicated that the addition of airbags would increase the safety of the car.
The Datsun Go, however, was even more unsafe. The structure disintegrated severely and the driver and the passenger sustained fatal injuries concentrated around the head, torso and legs. The tests results stated that it would be redundant to add airbags to improve safety of the passengers because of the failure of the structure. It however, got a two star rating for child occupant safety because of the Child Restraint System.
The Global NCAP tests try and create awareness among customers about the safety of cars globally. Manufacturers are also invited to witness these tests so that they can make the changes needed, if at all. Car makers often claim that they do not offer these safety features in lower trims because of lack of demand from customers, however we hope to see that change in the near future.
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