When the Tata Punch was revealed earlier this month, the home-grown automaker had said that safety was a high priority on the new model. And in keeping with that promise, the sub-compact SUV has scored highly in Global NCAP’s (New Car Assessment Program) crash tests. The safety watchdog has awarded the Punch a full, 5-star safety rating for adult occupant protection and 4-star rating for child occupant safety.
- Punch becomes third Tata car to be awarded 5-star (adult) safety GNCAP rating
- Punch given 4 stars for child occupant protection
- GNCAP testing to become more stringent from 2022
Tata Punch 5-star GNCAP safety rating explained
The body shell of the Punch has been rated as ‘stable’ and ‘capable of withstanding further loadings’. The Tata scored 16.45 points, out of a maximum of 17, for adult occupants. Incidentally, 16.45 is the highest score achieved by any car in India, more than the Tata Altroz and Mahindra XUV300.
Coming to child safety, the SUV earned 40.89 out of a maximum of 49 points, giving it a 4-star score in this category.
In addition to the front offset deformable barrier (ODB) test, the Punch was also subjected to a side impact test in order for it to qualify for a full, 5-star safety rating.
Tata Punch platform and safety features
The Punch shares its ALFA architecture with the Tata Altroz hatchback which too boasts of a 5-star score from GNCAP.
Standard safety features on the Punch include dual airbags, ABS, EBD, brake sway control, seatbelt reminder, high speed alert, rear parking sensors and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
Tata’s recent results at GNCAP
All of Tata’s models tested by the GNCAP in recent times have fared well. Taking into account the Nexon, the Indian carmaker now has three, 5-star rated cars in its portfolio. The Tiago and Tigor, as well as the recently tested Tigor EV, have managed to put up a good show, with a 4-star rating each.
GNCAP tests to get a lot tougher from 2022
Though an increasing number of Indian vehicles have done well in GNCAP’s crash tests recently, it must be remembered that the watchdog only assesses them for (passive) crash safety for now. However, this is set to change in the coming years, with greater consideration being given to (active) crash avoidance.
As we have already reported, the GNCAP testing will become a lot tougher from next year. 2022 will see ESC being introduced as a requirement for achieving higher ratings, and the side impact test is also set to become standard procedure. Come 2026, GNCAP will overhaul its testing protocol, giving a single star rating (instead of the current system of separate ratings for adult and child occupants) and including assessments for more active safety tech.
On similar lines, the Indian government is planning to make ESC and AEB mandatory in the coming years.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
