Car Brand Models that passed the GNCAP crash test successfully in 2023

In the wake of India's alarming road safety challenges, where fatal incidents on the roads reached 9.5 per 1 lakh people in 2022, the quest for safer vehicles has become quite important. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways highlights a critical need for cars equipped for handling the unexpected. 

To assist the customers in making an informed decision. Below is the list of top-rated cars in India based on Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) ratings.

Elevating the Safety Standards in Indian Cars

In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian automotive industry, safety features have transitioned from being recognized as a luxury to becoming standard offerings by most manufacturers. 

Airbags, ISOFIX (International Standards Organisation Fix) mounts, sturdy structural integrity, and driver assistance features are now integral components, just like the role of car insurance in protecting against financial losses.

Top Safest Cars in India

Our comprehensive list of the safest cars in India is based on the Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) ratings, incorporating safety assessments for both adult and child occupants. The cars are ranked in descending order according to their adult occupant protection scores:

Understanding the Global NCAP Ratings

The Global NCAP safety test involves a front offset crash test, replicating a collision between two cars at 50 kmph. The test directs a vehicle into a deformable barrier at 64 kmph, impacting 40 percent of the car due to its front offset nature.

Crash test dummies simulate standard family car trips, representing two adults in the front seats and two children in the rear seats. Adult and child occupant protection scores are derived from these crash tests, considering critical body areas and granting additional points for specific safety features.

Additional points are awarded for safety equipment. Child occupant protection scores consider readings from two child dummies, evaluating how effectively the children are safeguarded in ISOFIX (International Standards Organisation Fix) child seats.

Car Models with High Safety Rating in 2023

Let's look into the standout features of the top safest cars in India:

1. Tata Harrier (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

Tata Motors introduces the facelifted Harrier, showcasing aggressive styling and an impressive 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP. Scoring 33.05/34 in adult protection and 45.00/49 in child protection, the Harrier boasts six airbags, an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Assist, and more.

2. Tata Safari (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

The Safari, a 7-seater sibling of the Harrier, mirrors its safety success with identical ratings. Scoring 33.05/34 for adults and 45.00/49 for children, the Safari ensures the passenger's safety with features like six airbags,  Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill-Hold Assist, and traction control.

3. Volkswagen Virtus (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

Volkswagen's Virtus, a premium mid-size sedan, secures a 5-star safety rating with scores of 29.71/34 for adults and 42.00/49 for children. Safety features include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ISOFIX (International Standards Organisation Fix) child seat mounts, and more.

4. Skoda Slavia (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

In the premium mid-size sedan segment, the Skoda Slavia matches the Virtus with a 5-star safety rating with scores of 29.71/34 for adults and 42.00/49 for child occupants, respectively, underlining its safety prowess. Safety features include six airbags, ABS (Anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), and more.

5. Skoda Kushaq (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

Skoda's Kushaq, a contender in the mid-size SUV segment, joins the 5-star safety club with scores of 29.64/34 for adults and 42.00/49 for children. Noteworthy safety features include six airbags, rollover protection, ABS (Anti-lock braking system), and TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System).

6. Volkswagen Taigun (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

The Volkswagen Taigun, a mid-size SUV, mirrors the safety success of its sibling, the Kushaq, with a 5-star rating. Scoring 29.64/34 for adults and 42.00/49 for children, the Taigun emphasizes safety with features like six airbags, multi-collision braking, and hill hold assist.

7. Hyundai Verna (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

The Hyundai Verna, with its revamped design, earns a 5-star safety rating, scoring 28.18/34 for adults and 42.00/49 for children. Standard safety features include six airbags, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), hill-start assist, and ABS (Anti-lock braking system).

8. Mahindra Scorpio N (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

Mahindra's Scorpio-N, a modern avatar of the iconic SUV, excels in safety with a 5-star rating for adults. Scoring 29.25/34, the Scorpio-N incorporates safety features like six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and ISOFIX (International Standards Organisation Fix) child seat mounts.

9. Tata Punch (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

The Tata Punch, a compact SUV, achieves a 5-star safety rating with an adult occupant score of 16.45/17 and a child occupant score of 40.89/49. Key safety features include dual airbags, ABS (Anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and rear parking sensors.

10. Mahindra XUV300 (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

Mahindra's XUV300, a compact SUV, secures a 5-star safety rating with scores of 16.42/17 for adults and 41.66/49 for children. The XUV300 emphasizes safety with features like seven airbags, disc brakes on all four wheels, and front parking sensors.

11. Tata Altroz (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

Tata's Altroz, a premium hatchback, earns a 5-star safety rating with scores of 16.13/17 for adults and 29.00/49 for children. It stands out with features like dual front airbags, ABS (Anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and ISOFIX (International Standards Organisation Fix) child seat mounts.

12. Tata Nexon (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

The Tata Nexon, a compact SUV, joins the 5-star safety league with scores of 16.06/17 for adults and 25.00/49 for children. Safety features include dual airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and rollover mitigation.

13. Mahindra XUV700 (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

Mahindra's XUV700, a feature-packed SUV, achieves a 5-star safety rating with scores of 16.03/17 for adults and 41.66/49 for children. The XUV700 prioritizes safety with features like seven airbags, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Also Read: Top 10 Safest Cars in India 2023

CarBike360 Says

As India navigates the complex terrain of road safety, consumers can turn to Global NCAP ratings for guidance. These ratings, reflective of rigorous safety assessments, empower individuals to choose vehicles that prioritize the well-being of both adult and child occupants. 

In the pursuit of safer journeys, the responsibility lies on the manufacturers to continue raising the safety standards, ultimately contributing to a safer automotive landscape in India.