Most Indian automobile purchasers, especially those in need of a vehicle for family transportation, now place a premium on purchasing a vehicle that meets high standards of safety.

You and your loved ones will be safer in a safe automobile, and the safety of other drivers on the road will be improved in some circumstances as well. However, how safe a vehicle is for pedestrians to approach relies on what sort of pedestrian safety elements are included in its external design.

What is Global NCAP?

The Global New Car Assessment Programme (G-NCAP) is an organization supported by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) that uses standardized crash tests designed to measure many critical aspects of vehicle safety.

To monitor and report on the outcomes of crash testing and the safety of new automobiles, the New Car Assessment Programme was established in 1978. After the NCAP’s success, other areas including Japan, Europe, and Latin America also instituted their own crash testing for their respective markets.

The Global NCAP was established in 2011 with the goal of fostering more collaboration between individual regional NCAPs and furthering the trend of crash testing and reporting in developing economies. As of February 2022, 50 vehicles will have been subjected to Global NCAP’s crash tests for frontal collision performance in India, where the organization began testing vehicles in 2014.

How does Global NCAP score cars?

An automobile can fail a government regulatory test, but not an NCAP test. Each NCAP-rated automobile is given a 5-star rating; the higher the rating, the safer the car. Adult and child crash test results determine the rating. These scores are mostly based on crash-test dummies, however, some safety measures may add points.

For a one-star rating, Global NCAP requires a driver-side airbag. Non-airbag versions of the Tata Zest and Volkswagen Polo scored zero ratings, whereas airbag-equipped vehicles received four stars. Time will bring more needs. In the future, ESC may be required for Indian automotive testing.

The 17-point Adult Occupant Protection score considers head and neck, chest, knee, femur, pelvis, and leg and foot injuries. Cars with a seatbelt reminder, four-channel ABS, and side-impact safety receive an extra point.

The 49-point Child Occupant Protection score is based on dummy readings from 18-month-old and 3-year-old seats. Child restraint marks, three-point seatbelts, Isofix, etc. earn extra points.

Here are the 5 Safest SUVs in India according to NCAP

1) Skoda Kushaq

Skoda Kushaq scored 29.64/34 for adult occupant safety. Both midsize SUVs scored 42/49 in child occupant safety. Both cars passed side impact testing, according to GNCAP. Front and rear seatbelt reminders now earn points.

Skoda Kushaq safety features

• Six airbags
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Electronic Differential Lock System (EDS)
• Brake Disc Wiping
• Roll Over Protection
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

2) Tata Punch

Tata just released the Punch, and its safety rating has already piqued popular curiosity. With a score of 16.45 out of 17 and a 5-star certification for Adult Occupant safety, the Tata Punch is an SUV to watch. According to NCAP tests, the Punch is one of the most stable vehicles in the country.

The Punch’s 1.2L engine produces 86Ps and 113Nm of torque. The Punch has a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission. Inside, the Punch has a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic air conditioning, a semi-digital instrument panel, cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers, and LED lighting. Tata has long marketed its vehicles as the safest on the market, and the Punch sports ABS with EBD, a rear parking camera, twin front airbags, seatbelt alert, door ajar warning, and parking sensors.

Tata Punch safety features

• Dual airbags
• ABS and EBD with brake sway control
• ISOFIX anchorages
• Reverse parking camera
• Front fog lamps with cornering function
• Auto headlamps

3) Mahindra XUV300

The Mahindra XUV300 got 5 stars for Adult Occupant Protection and 4 stars for Child Occupant protection in Global NCAP testing. The XUV300 scored 16.42/17 for Adult Occupant safety and 37.44/49 for Child Occupant safety. The XUV300’s solid frame delivered good head, neck, knee, and chest protection during testing.

Mahindra XUV300 safety features

• Six airbags
• All four disc brakes
• Front parking sensors
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• ABS and EBD with cornering function
• Front and rear fog lamps
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

4) Tata Nexon

The Global NCAP gave the highest possible rating of 5 stars to the Tata Nexon, making it the first Indian-made car to achieve this honour. The government conducted crash tests on the Nexon, and the SUV received a 5-star rating since it got 16.06 out of a possible 17 points in the adult occupant protection category. In terms of protecting young passengers, the Tata Nexon received 25 out of a potential 49 points. The Nexon has advanced safety features including as front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, and more.

Tata Nexon safety features

• Dual Front Airbags
• ESP
• Electronic Traction Control
• Emergency Brake Assist
• Hill Hold Assist
• Brake Disc Wiping
• ABS with EBD
• Reverse Parking Assist Camera

5) Mahindra XUV700

Mahindra XUV700 is the only 3-row SUV with 5-star adult occupant protection. Four stars for child safety. The XUV700 scored 16.03/17 for adult occupant safety and 41.66/49 for child occupant protection. The SUV’s body shell and footwell region are sturdy and can handle greater loads.

Lower XUV700 types just receive the essentials, while fully equipped variations include seven airbags and modern driving aids including autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

Mahindra XUV700 safety features

• Seven airbags
• ABS
• ESP
• Driver drowsiness detection
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
• Forward Collision Warning
• Autonomous Emergency Brakes
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keep Assist

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle and prioritise safety, any of the above models is an excellent option. SUVs are built to last, but that doesn’t mean they provide the best protection. On the other hand, the safety features of these vehicles make road trips with friends, family, and children a breeze.