GNCAP stands for Global New Car Assessment Program and to dig a little deeper, it is an independent body that test vehicles on a scale of 5 to tell how safer they are. Also, it is an initiative of the Towards Zero Foundation, which is a charity based in the United Kingdom. Their recent project #SaferCarsForIndia has received a lot of praise and that is another reason why carmakers are now trying to build safer models to offer an unmatched experience.
Recently, we have compiled a list of the top five safest cars in India according to the Global NCAP reports. Want to learn more about them? Here take a look at each of them down below.
Tata Punch
Smallest yet the all-new Punch has managed to do really well at the Global NCAP crash test. According to the testing agency, the entry-level hatchback has managed to score a five-star rating for adult occupant protection. Meanwhile, a four-star rating for child occupant protection makes it one of the safest cars available in India.
Features on the Punch surely depends upon the variant opted for. However, to give an idea, it comes loaded with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, part digital driver’s display and dual airbags to name a few.
Under the hood, Tata Punch features a sole 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that churns out a decent 86PS and 113Nm of peak torque.
Keeping in mind the diverse buyers, Tata has decided to offer it with a 5-speed manual or an automatic gearbox depending upon the variant.
Feedback from Global NCAP
The organising body has stated that safety can be further improved by offering Electronic Stability Control across the entire range. Also, three-pointer seat belts for all four seats and protection for the side head can also play a role of a game-changer.
Mahindra XUV300
Second, on the list is the updated XUV300. The sub-four meter SUV has managed to score five stars for adult safety and a four-star for child occupant safety. As claimed by the test reports, it offered good chest protection to both the driver and co-passenger during the test. Talking about the bodyshell integrity, Global NCAP rated it stable.
We are not focusing on features today but since, XUV300 boats some crucial ones, it comes loaded with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, electric sunroof, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers and up to 6 airbags depending upon the variant.
Just like other sub-four meter SUVs that are available with various engine options, the all-new XUV300 comes with two capable power units. The first one is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine with overall output rated at 110PS and 200Nm. There’s even a mile-munching 1.5-litre diesel engine available and as per the brand, it propels a massive 117PS and 300Nm.
Right now, both of them comes mated to either a 6-speed manual or an automatic gearbox as per the variant opted.
Feedback from Global NCAP
In terms of adult occupants’ safety, Mahindra has managed to do a great job. However, just to improve the child occupants’ safety, the absence of three-point seat belts in every single seating position and poor ISOFIX mounts marking can be improved.
Tata Altroz
The all-new Altroz looks premium, is well priced and is indeed, a part of the ‘Safest cars in India’ tribe. We couldn’t ask for more (nor Tata could have offered anything more except a few more airbags; pun intended). As per the GNCAP report, Altroz has scored a five-star rating for adult safety by offering good protection for the head and neck. Also, a three-star rating of child occupant protection makes it one of the safest cars in India.
Feature-wise, it comes equipped with dual airbags, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ambient lighting, cruise control, semi-digital driver’s display and connected car tech to name a few.
Altroz is currently available with three engine options in India. Starting with the petrol motors, the first one is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that churns out 86PS and 113Nm. A similarly displaced turbocharged engine is also available with overall output rated at 110PS and 140Nm. Last but not least is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that propels 90PS and 200Nm of peak torque while also being fuel-efficient.
Currently, Altroz is available with a manual gearbox. However, Tata Motors is planning to introduce an automatic variant in the coming few days.
Feedback from Global NCAP
Child safety is equally important and to improve it further, Global NCAP suggests that Tata Motors should offer three-point seat belts on all seating positions.
Tata Nexon
Another sub-four meter SUV and that too from an Indian carmaker. At the time of its launch, the original Nexon couldn’t do much but the facelifted version of the same is now selling like hotcakes. Global NCAP states that this compact SUV has managed to score a five-star rating for adult occupant protection while a three-star rating for child occupant safety helps it to clock fourth position in this list.
Coming to the features, Nexon is available with an air purifier, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a fully digital driver’s display, dual airbags and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
To compete with XUV300, Nexon is also available with two engine options where the entry-level variants are powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with overall output rated at 120PS and 170Nm.
Thankfully, a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel motor is also available but again, that costs a little more when compared to the petrol engine. As claimed by the brand, this motor is capable enough of churning out a decent 110PS and 260Nm.
A 6-speed gearbox is available as standard while for added convenience, customers can also opt for an AMT.
Feedback from Global NCAP
Tata needs to offer an installation instruction manual that is easily accessible. Also, the introduction of side and knee airbags, on the higher variants at least will improve the overall safety level.
Mahindra XUV700
Mahindra has recently launched the all-new XUV700 and the seven-seater SUV has already managed to score a five-star rating at the Global NCAP for adult occupant safety. A four-star rating for child’s safety makes it a perfect family car but the availability of safety aids on the high-end variants make it slightly costlier.
In terms of features, the top-end variant of XUV700 is loaded with two-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera, twin 10.25-inch screens for driver’s display and infotainment system and ADAS to name a few.
Powering this capable sports utility vehicle is a powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that churns out a massive 200PS and 380Nm of peak torque. Also, as expected, the Indian brand is even offering a slightly fuel-efficient 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with overall output rated at 185PS and up to 450Nm.
Transmission duties on the all-new XUV700 are managed by either a 6-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. Thankfully, the top-end AX7 variant of the same is available with an all-wheel-drive system.
Feedback from Global NCAP
The safety features that are available on the top-end variants makes it one of the safest car available in India. Sadly, the entry-level variants lack several crucial safety aids and therefore, offering some more of them as standard will definitely enhance the overall safety.
Finally, ending this long journey to find a safer car for you and your family. Hope you managed to make a choice among these. That’s it for now. Coming up with similar series every Sunday. See you soon!