With rising speeds on expressways, safety in vehicles has become paramount. For those considering a new car purchase, prioritizing safety is crucial. Here are some top choices, all rigorously tested by Bharat NCAP or similar organizations. These tests ensure that vehicles can withstand impacts and protect passengers.
KIA recently crash-tested its new subcompact SUV, the Syros. It achieved a 5-star rating under the Bharat New Car Assessment Program, excelling in both Adult and Child Occupant Protection. Vehicles are scored out of 32 for Adult and 49 for Child Occupant Protection. The Syros scored around 30.21 out of 32 for Adult Occupant Protection and 44.42 for Child Occupant Protection.
The Syros demonstrated strength in the side impact test, scoring a perfect 16 out of 16 points. It also boasts 16 autonomous safety features, including ADAS level 2, and 20 standard active and passive safety features, making it one of the safest in its class.
Tata Nexon was among the first in its segment to undergo the Global NCAP test and achieved an outstanding score. It earned 32.22 out of 34 for adult occupant safety and 44.52 out of 49 for child occupant safety. Tata has consistently prioritized safety. The Nexon is a strong contender for providing comprehensive passenger protection in a crash.
The new Vitara Brezza’s crash test results are not yet available. The older, two-airbag version earned a 4-star rating for adult occupant safety and 2 stars for child occupant safety. A new version of the Brezza may offer improved safety.
In 2019, the Hyundai Venue was crash-tested under ANCAP protocols. It achieved a 4-star adult occupant safety rating. The tested version, possibly a global spec, included curtain airbags.
The Mahindra 3XO received a 5-star crash rating. It scored 29.36 out of 32 for Adult Protection and 43 out of 49 for Child Protection. It performed well in the frontal and side tests, with 13.36 out of 16 and a perfect 16 out of 16, respectively. Safety features include 6 airbags, a 360-degree camera, 3-point seatbelts for all passengers, all-wheel disc brakes, and Level 2 ADAS.
The Skoda Kylaq is the safest subcompact SUV, scoring 30.88 out of 32 for Adult Occupant Protection and 45 out of 49 for Child Occupant Protection. It performed remarkably in frontal and side barrier tests, with scores of 15.04 and 15.84 out of 16. It has 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and a rear parking camera.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire, tested with 6 airbags, earned a 5-star rating in both adult and child occupant safety. The Dzire, along with the Virtus, achieved a 92% safety rating for both adults and children.
The 6-airbag version of the Baleno scored around 26.52/32 for adult occupant safety (about 4 stars) and 34.81 out of 49 for child occupant protection (about 3 stars). This version has front, side head curtain, side chest, and side pelvis airbags, as well as ISOFIX seats at the rear.
