Car safety has become a top priority for Indian buyers, especially with rising road accidents. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, accidents increased by nearly 12% in 2022, underscoring the importance of choosing safer vehicles. The Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP) provides crash-test ratings that help consumers make informed decisions, while the newly introduced Bharat NCAP adapts these standards to Indian conditions.
Tata, Mahindra Lead as Harrier, Safari, and Magnite Top Safety Rankings
GNCAP rates cars out of five stars based on adult and child occupant protection. Tata Motors and Mahindra dominate the list, while seven cars have achieved perfect five-star ratings for both adult and child safety. Over half of these top-rated models are priced above ₹10 lakh, reflecting the growing alignment of premium features with safety standards.
Leading the list are Tata Harrier and Safari, both scoring nearly perfect ratings—33/34 for adults and 45/49 for children. Equipped with six airbags, advanced driver-assist systems, and electronic stability controls, these SUVs set the benchmark for safety in India. Following closely is the Nissan Magnite, one of the most affordable five-star SUVs at ₹6.14 lakh, upgraded with six airbags, ESC, and improved pedestrian protection.
Nexon, Dzire, and European Sedans Shine; Mahindra SUVs Add Tech-Driven Safety
The Tata Nexon, India’s first car to secure a five-star GNCAP rating, continues its legacy with advanced safety features like ABS, ESC, and Hill Hold Assist. Maruti Suzuki Dzire also joins the list, offering six airbags, three-point seatbelts, and segment-first 360-degree cameras, proving that affordability and safety can go hand in hand.
European engineering stands out with Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, Kushaq, and Taigun, all securing five-star ratings. These models provide advanced safety technologies such as Hill Hold Control, Multi-Collision Braking, and three-point seatbelts for all passengers. Among Mahindra’s offerings, the Scorpio N and XUV700 excel with features like Driver Drowsiness Detection, ADAS, and rollover mitigation, combining ruggedness with cutting-edge safety.
Hyundai Verna, Tata Punch, Altroz, and XUV300 Highlight Growing Buyer Focus on Safety
Other strong performers include the Hyundai Verna, the only Hyundai model in India with a five-star rating, the compact Tata Punch, and hatchback Tata Altroz, both securing excellent safety scores at budget-friendly prices. The Mahindra XUV300 (now 3XO) also remains noteworthy, being the first Mahindra to win the “Safer Choice” award.
In conclusion, safety ratings are increasingly influencing purchase decisions, with 78% of buyers considering them before choosing a car. With Bharat NCAP strengthening local standards, the future of Indian road safety looks promising, provided manufacturers and consumers continue prioritizing safety over cost and convenience.
Summary:
Indian car buyers are prioritizing safety amid rising accidents. Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP ratings highlight Tata and Mahindra as leaders, with models like Harrier, Safari, Nexon, and XUV700 excelling. Affordable options like Magnite and Dzire also impress. With 78% valuing safety, Indian roads move toward safer driving standards.
