Top rated cars, SUVs in new GNCAP crash tests: updated list

It’s been nearly two years since the new Global NCAP crash test protocol came into effect in July 2022. Under the new protocol, a vehicle receives a 5-star rating only if it gets the required scores while also conforming to the ESC, pedestrian protection, side impact and seat belt reminder requirements for Global NCAP. So far, 18 made-in-India models have been tested under this new protocol. However, this list just has the 10 safest cars and SUVs currently on sale in India, as rated by Global NCAP. 

10. Mahindra Bolero Neo - 1 star (20.26 points)

The Bolero Neo's crash test result was released on April 23, 2024.

The second Mahindra to be tested under the new protocols didn’t do nearly as well as the first – the Bolero Neo scored 20.26 points for adult occupancy, gaining just a 1-star rating. Among the reasons for the compact SUV’s low score were unstable structure and footwell area, the lack of curtain airbags and seat belt reminders for all passengers, and the fact that it has side-facing third-row seats.

Meanwhile, the Bolero Neo’s child safety rating is 1-star (12.71/49 points). The absence of three-point seat belts for all passengers and a passenger airbag switch, along with there being only one child restraint system (CRS), resulted in low scores. While the SUV offered almost full protection for the three-year-old dummy, it could not prevent head exposure during the frontal impact for the 18-month-old dummy.

9. Maruti Suzuki Alto K 10 - 2 stars (21.67 points)

Despite being its smallest model, the Alto K10 is the highest scoring Maruti model in this list. The Alto K10 scored 21.67 points out of a possible 34 points in the adult occupant protection tests and secured a 2-star rating. It scored 12.4 out of 17 points in the side deformable barrier test. Global NCAP noted that the bodyshell was stable, and capable of withstanding further loadings, although the footwell area was rated unstable. However, the K10, like other Marutis here, doesn’t offer curtain airbags, and hence, it wasn’t subjected to the side pole impact test and it didn’t comply with the new pedestrian safety norms either.

As far as child occupant protection is concerned, the Alto K10 secured just 3.52 points out of a possible 49 for a zero-star rating. Standard safety features on the Alto K10 include dual airbags and seat belt reminders.

8. Honda Amaze - 2 stars (27.85 points)

The Amaze's crash test result was released on April 23, 2024.

Honda’s compact sedan was awarded a 2-star adult occupant and a 0-star child occupant protection rating under the new protocols, scoring 27.85/34 points and 8.58/49 points, respectively. While the bodyshell was considered stable, the Amaze was marked down due to low chest and knee protection, and the lack of ESC. Despite having ISOFIX anchors as standard, the Amaze scored poorly in child protection as the three-year-old dummy’s head made contact with the interior during frontal impact tests, and the 18-month-old dummy was ejected from the seat during the same tests.

While the test does not bode well for Honda, the Japanese brand recently upgraded the Amaze’s safety kit. This model may perform better at the crash tests, though Global NCAP is unlikely to test it again as India moves to its own Bharat NCAP safety assessment programme.

7. Kia Carens - 3 stars (22.07 points)

The Carens' crash test result was released on April 23, 2024.

Kia’s MPV has been awarded a 3-star rating (22.07 points out of a max of 34) for adult occupancy protection. Interestingly, Global NCAP tested this car twice under its new protocol as in the first round of testing, the Carens received zero stars for adult occupancy due to severe neck injuries for the driver. Kia reportedly took immediate action and improved the restraint systems, which helped the MPV achieve its 3-star rating. An unstable bodyshell and that the seat belt reminders only fulfil the requirements for the front row also led to this result.

The Carens’s child occupancy score was 41 out of 49, earning a 5-star rating in this area. Kia’s MPV comes with six airbags, ESC, rear parking sensors, hill-start assist, rear disc brakes, three-point seat belts for all seats and ISOFIX anchors, as standard.

6. Hyundai Verna - 5 stars (28.18 points)

The new Verna became the first Hyundai sold in India to get a 5-star rating when the sedan scored 28.18 points out of 34 in adult occupant protection. In the side pole impact test, the Verna was rated ‘OK’, but the body shell was rated unstable and not capable of withstanding further loadings. The model tested was equipped with 6 airbags, ESC, rear ISOFIX mounts and seat belt reminders for all seats as standard.

As for child occupant protection, the Verna scored 42 points out of 49 and it also complied with UN 127 and GTR9 pedestrian protection norms. Interestingly, a CRS (Child Restraint System) failure was noted after the side-impact test, but the manufacturer identified this as a one-off; Global NCAP performed a subsequent higher energy side-impact test and the CRS showed no further sign of failure.

5. Mahindra Scorpio N - 5 stars (29.25 points)

Mahindra’s Scorpio N SUV scored an impressive 29.25 points out of 34 in adult occupant protection tests, resulting in its 5-star rating. Furthermore, in the side impact test with a deformable barrier, the Scorpio N had good protection with a score of 16 points out of 17 and it received an ‘OK’ rating for the side pole impact tests. Meanwhile, in the child occupant protection tests, the Scorpio N scored 28.93 points out of 49, earning a 3-star rating.

Global NCAP mentioned that the bodyshell and the footwell area of the Scorpio N were stable and capable of withstanding further loadings. The Scorpio N also met the new pedestrian safety requirements. As for standard safety features, the Scorpio N packs in two airbags, seatbelt reminders and ESC (optional on the Z2 and Z4 trims, standard on others).

4. Volkswagen Taigun/Skoda Kushaq - 5 stars (29.64 points)

Being built on the same platform, these midsize SUVs from Volkswagen and Skoda have identical scores. The Kushaq and Taigun were the first cars to be tested under the updated testing protocol and they received a 5-star rating, scoring 29.64 points in the adult occupant protection test out of 34. Global NCAP used a two-airbag version of the two SUVs, while a six-airbag version was used for the side pole impact test. In the former, the two scored 14.5 points out of a possible 17, while they received an ‘OK’ rating for the latter. Both SUVs also met the UN 127 pedestrian safety norms, but not the GTR9 norms.

Additionally, they also achieved a 5-star rating in the child occupant protection test, scoring 42 points out of 49. The testers also rated the bodyshell of the SUVs as stable and capable of withstanding further loadings. Standard safety kit on both includes dual airbags, ESC, traction control and ISOFIX child seat mounts.

3. Volkswagen Virtus/Skoda Slavia - 5 stars (29.71 points)

Much like their SUVs siblings, the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia also scored a 5-star safety rating. However, as a result of a higher adult occupant rating, the sedans rank higher on our list. The midsize sedans scored 29.71 points out of a total of 34 in adult occupant protection tests, including 14.2 points out of a possible 17 in the side impact test with a deformable barrier. Furthermore, in the side pole impact tests, they both received an ‘OK’ rating. However, unlike the SUVs, the sedans passed both the UN 127 and GTR9 pedestrian safety norms.

The Slavia and Virtus also aced the child occupant protection tests as they received 42 points out of a total of 49, earning a 5-star rating. GNCAP’s report also mentioned that the bodyshell and the footwell area of the Slavia and Virtus were stable and capable of withstanding further loadings. Both sedans pack in standard safety kit like dual airbags, ESC, traction control and ISOFIX child seat mounts.

2. Tata Nexon - 5 stars (32.22 points)

Following its 2023 facelift, the Nexon was crash tested a third time by Global NCAP under the more stringent testing protocols. The Nexon already had a 5-star rating, but it bettered its score with 32.22 points (out of a max of 34) for adult occupancy protection (AOP), and 44.52 (out of 49) for child occupant protection (COP), thereby scoring a 5-stars in both categories. Incidentally, this was also the second highest score for adult and child occupant safety in the Safer Cars For India campaign. Tata Motors also improved structural strength of the SUV with the facelift, which further contributed to improved scores. 

In the front impact, side-impact and side pole impact tests, the Nexon provided at least adequate protection in all aspects, except for the chest area in the side pole test. More importantly, the Nexon facelift betters its predecessor’s COP score by a large margin; the Nexon was given 3 stars for COP in 2018. Standard safety features on the Nexon include six airbags, ESC, seat belt reminders, ISOFIX anchors and a passenger airbag disabling switch.

1. Tata Harrier/Safari - 5 stars (33.05 points)

Tata Motors’ flagship SUVs, the Harrier and Safari, have finally been subjected to Global NCAP’s crash tests and both have secured a full 5-star safety rating. The new Tata Harrier and Safari scored 33.05 out of 34 points for adult occupant protection and the body shell for both were rated as “stable” and capable of withstanding further loadings. Meanwhile, in the side impact test with a deformable barrier, the SUVs had “good protection” for head, chest, abdomen and pelvis.

The Harrier and Safari facelifts scored 45 points out of 49 in the child occupant protection tests, earning a 5-star rating. Standard safety features on both SUVs include 6 airbags, ESP, 3-point seat belts with reminders for all seats, ABS with EBD and a tyre pressure monitoring system.