Celerio, Eon, Kwid, Scorpio, Eeco Badly Fail NCAP Crash Tests; Auto Industry Accuse Them of Scaremongering
UK based Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP) has just released their latest car crash test results; and it may be heart breaking for several auto-enthusiasts.
As per the latest test results, leading cars which are heavily promoted and advertised in India have received zero rating in the overall list. This means that majority of newly launched and established cars in India are totally unsafe, and cannot protect their riders in case of a heads-on collision.
Prominent among the cars which failed car crash test are: Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Renault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Hyundai Eon and Mahindra Scorpio.
Entry level cross-over Kwid, which is manufactured by French automobile major Renault, was infact tested for all three versions, the ones with air-bags as well. But unfortunately, all the three versions received zero rating in the crash tests.
David Ward, Secretary General of Global NCAP said, “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.”
One of the best selling SUVs in India: Mahindra Scorpio too fared badly in the crash tests. Under ‘adult occupant position’, it received dismal zero rating, while a scary two stars in child occupant position. As per NCAP
Similarly, other best selling cars such as Hyundai Eon, Suzuki Maruti Eeco, Suzuki Maruti Celerio all received zero rating in adult occupant position; and between 0-2 rating for child occupant space.
For the purpose of crash tests, all these cars were shipped to Germany. Driven at 64 km/hr speed, these cars were hit into a block, stimulating head-on collision.
Interestingly, only Toyota Etios and Volkswagen Polo received 4-star rating.
Automobiles Slam Global NCAP Test Results
Meanwhile, auto-industry in general has refused to accept the authenticity of these car crash test results; and accused Global NCAP of scare mongering. They said that all cars made inside India adhere to strict safety standards, as mandated by Indian Govt.
Maruti Suzuki said, “The tests by Global NCAP are conducted at speeds that are higher than those prescribed by the regulatory authorities not only in India but also in Europe and USA. The results of Global NCAP have to be seen in that perspective.
Our recently introduced model Vitara Brezza already complies with safety regulation (offset/side impact) which will come into effect in October 2017”
Besides the auto-lobby also said that they are working to implement Bharat NCAP Guidelines, which will come into force next year.
SIAM has replied that every auto-manufacturer in India adhere to 60 safety and emissions standards, which are at par with international guidelines.
Renault Promises To Improve
After the crash test results came out, Renault has promised to study the test results, and improve its performance. Global NCAP has said that they will again re evaluate their cars.
NCAP said, “We welcome Renault’s efforts to correct this and we look forward to testing another improved version with airbags. Renault has a strong record of achievement in safety in Europe and it should offer the same commitment to its customers in India.”
Here are all the results of the car crash tests.
Here is our report on Global NCAP’s 2015 car crash test results.
