Indian cars get zero stars in crash tests

All the Indian cars tested received zero star ratings in the latest round of test results released by Global NCAP in Faridabad today. This is despite the increasing awareness about vehicle safety in India. Manufacturers still have a long way to go when it comes to providing basic safety features on cars sold in the country.

After the initial round of tests in 2014, which were also the first ever independent safety tests for any Indian cars, the new set of Indian cars were expected to perform a lot better. GNCAP had then tested eight cars including Volkswagen Polo, Maruti Alto 800, Maruti Swift, Tata Nano, Hyundai i10, Ford Figo, Toyota Etios, and Datsun Go. Out of these, only the Polo and Etios, received four-star ratings for frontal protection, while all others got zero stars.

In the latest round of tests, the global automotive safety watchdog tested five high-selling Indian cars including the Renault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Mahindra Scorpio and Hyundai Eon, and found low levels of adult occupant protection on all these vehicles, which resulted in zero star ratings for all the five cars. The Renault Kwid was tested in three versions, including one with airbags, but each was rated as zero-star for adult safety.

All the cars were tested for crash safety at a speed of 64kph at which, the ‘unstable’ body shell on these cars collapsed, exposing the dummy occupants to life-threatening injuries. 

Unveiling the latest crash test results during the Indian Automobile Safety Conference hosted by IRTE in Faridabad, David Ward, secretary general of Global NCAP said, “The latest ‘SaferCarsforIndia’ results show how important it is for cars to have a body shell that can remain stable in a crash. This is an absolutely crucial pre-requisite for occupant safety together with fitment at least of front airbags. It is very surprising that a manufacturer like Renault introduced the Kwid initially lacking this essential feature. Global NCAP strongly believes that no manufacturer anywhere in the world should be developing new models that are so clearly sub-standard.”

“Carmakers must ensure that their new models pass the UN’s minimum crash test regulations, and support use of an airbag,” he added. “The results highlight the importance of the Indian Government’s decision to mandate front and side impact crash tests from October 2017. Legislative action is needed to ensure that the minimum levels of occupant protection recommended by the United Nations are guaranteed for Indian consumers. But manufacturers don’t have to wait for legislation and we urge them to act to eliminate all zero-star cars from production as soon as possible.”

“Global NCAP also welcomes the forthcoming launch of a Bharat New Car Assessment Programme which can help build a market for safer cars in India,” Ward concluded.