The latest round of Global NCAP (GNCAP) crash test ratings are in and amongst the cars tested are two Hondas – the Jazz and the fourth-generation City. Both cars scored four stars for adult occupancy, and while the City matched that score for child occupancy, the Jazz scored only three stars in this test. As is usually the case with Global NCAP crash tests, the most basic variants on sale are used for the test, but as is now the law in India, this means two airbags, ABS and front seatbelt warning as standard.
2022 Honda Jazz scores 4 stars in GNCAP crash test
This generation of Honda Jazz (the second for India, the third globally) has been around since 2015 and was updated in 2020. It’s now Honda’s sole hatchback offering in India and competes in the premium hatchback segment against the Maruti Baleno, Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20 and Toyota Glanza, where space remains its biggest USP.
It is noticeably the oldest model in the class, and so its strong showing in the crash tests is a reassuring sign. Incidentally, though its four-star adult occupancy rating is the same as the Gen 4 City, its score is slightly higher at 13.89 points (out of 17). The report puts it down to a sound bodyshell structure that could withstand greater loads, the result was good head and neck protection for front-seat occupants. However, front occupant knee protection was rated as marginal thanks to potential impact with ‘dangerous structures behind the dashboard’.
The slightly lower three-star child protection rating was due to a lack of ISOFIX mounting points (although child restraint systems were in place and well marked), and limited protection on both child seat tests in some areas. It scored 31.54 out of 49 points.
2022 Honda City Gen 4 scores 4 stars in Global NCAP crash test
It’s worth noting that this is not the latest Honda City (Gen 5), but the previous Gen 4 model that continues to be on sale in petrol-only guise in two variants. Its price of Rs 9.29 lakh-9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) puts it closer to its compact sedan sibling, the Amaze, than the newer City (which starts at Rs 11.23 lakh), making it a great option for those who want a midsize sedan at a much more affordable price relative to the rest of the segment. Its high-revving i-VTEC engine is a joy for enthusiasts too.
It too has been on sale for very long – since 2014, making it even older than the Jazz, so again, its four-star rating is a promising sign for those looking to buy this ageing model. Its score of 12.03 (out of 17) was a bit lower than that of the Jazz, and much like its hatchback counterpart, structures behind the dashboard led to marginal knee protection up front. However, the body shell and footwell area were rated as unstable and unable to withstand greater loads.
The child protection score was 38.27 out of 49, leading to a four-star rating higher than that of the Jazz. Notably, the City Gen 4 as tested came with ISOFIX child seat mounts, and protection offered was largely good.
Honda Cars tested by Global NCAP
This round of tests takes the number of Indian-market cars crashed by Global NCAP past the 50 mark since tests began in 2014, but interestingly, the list only includes one Honda model prior to these. It was the 2016 Honda Mobilio MPV, which scored three stars for adult occupancy and two for child when equipped with two airbags (a model with no airbags scored zero stars; they weren’t a requirement back then).
It's also curious that the models tested this time around are the two oldest in the Honda Cars India range, with newer models like the WR-V, Amaze and Gen 5 City yet to feature on the list; perhaps in the next round of tests. The other cars tested in this round were the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite, both of which also scored four stars for adult occupancy, which you can read about here.
In July 2022, Global NCAP will update its testing process to factor in ESC and also do side impact, and pedestrian protection tests. This, of course, will factor into the scores and star ratings, so if newer Honda models, and indeed any other cars, are to join the rankings and post high scores, they will have to step their game up.
Are you more inclined to consider a Honda Jazz or Gen 4 City after their crash test score? Let us know in the Comments section below.