Best Of 2024: Indian cars crash tested by GNCAP & BNCAP in 2024

In 2024, as safety awareness in India's automobile market continues to grow, several vehicles underwent crash testing under the auspices of two prominent safety assessment bodies: Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP. Their evaluations provided fresh insights into the safety standards of popular cars sold in the country, revealing mixed performance across brands and models.

Global NCAP

Global NCAP tested six cars in 2024, ranging from compact sedans to SUVs and electric vehicles. The results varied significantly across models, with a few achieving stellar ratings while others highlighted gaps in safety standards. 

Maruti Suzuki Dzire 

Both the new-generation and older-generation Dzire were evaluated. The new Dzire became a landmark model for Maruti Suzuki, achieving a 5-star rating for adult occupant protection and 4 stars for child occupant protection, thanks to its robust safety features such as six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and ISOFIX mounts. In contrast, the older Dzire scored only 2 stars in both adult and child protection, with its structure rated as unstable.

Mahindra Bolero Neo

Renowned for its sturdy design, Mahindra's Bolero Neo fell short of expectations, earning just 1 star each for adult and child occupant protection. Both the bodyshell and footwell area were deemed unstable, suggesting significant room for improvement despite the presence of basic safety features like dual airbags and rear parking sensors.

Honda Amaze (old)

The older generation Honda Amaze, retested in 2024, demonstrated a drop in safety ratings compared to previous evaluations. It secured 2 stars for adult occupant protection and 0 stars for child occupant protection, a decline from its earlier 2021 performance under older norms. Essential safety features like airbags and ABS with EBD were found insufficient for improved crashworthiness.

Kia Carens

Kia's Carens underwent two rounds of crash testing, reflecting notable progress. The first test (on a May 2023 model) resulted in a 1-star rating, while the second test (on a December 2023 model with structural enhancements) earned a 3-star rating. Despite the improvement, the bodyshell remained classified as unstable, highlighting the need for further structural fortification.

Citroën eC3

Citroën's electric hatchback, the eC3, received 0 stars for adult occupant protection and 1 star for child protection. Although its bodyshell was rated stable, its limited safety features and poor protection levels were key contributors to the low scores. Basic safety additions, such as airbags and seatbelt reminders, proved inadequate for high-speed collisions.

Tata Nexon 

The facelifted Tata Nexon reaffirmed its legacy as one of India's safest cars, achieving 5-star ratings for both adult and child occupant protection under Global NCAP's updated protocols. This accolade, combined with an extensive safety suite that includes six airbags, ESC, and a 360-degree camera, cements Nexon's leadership in safety standards.

Bharat NCAP

Mahindra Thar Roxx

The highly anticipated Mahindra Thar Roxx set a new benchmark for safety in 2024, earning a 5-star safety rating for both adult and child occupant protection in Bharat NCAP crash tests. It was particularly a significant milestone, as the Thar Roxx is the first body-on-frame SUV to attain this top-tier rating under Bharat NCAP’s rigorous safety standards.

Bharat NCAP tested two variants of the Thar Roxx — the AX5L and MX3. Both variants demonstrated exceptional crashworthiness, maintaining stable bodyshell integrity and providing comprehensive occupant protection. 

Mahindra XUV 3XO

The facelifted Mahindra XUV 3XO, the updated version of the XUV 300, achieved a 5-star safety rating for both adult and child occupant protection in Bharat NCAP crash tests.

The SUV scored an impressive 29.36/32 for adult occupant protection (AOP) and 43/49 for child occupant protection (COP), showcasing its superior safety credentials.

Mahindra XUV400

Tested in November 2024, the Mahindra XUV400 EV became the brand's first all-electric offering to achieve a 5-star safety rating for both adult and child occupant protection in Bharat NCAP evaluations.

With a stellar score of 30.38/32 for adult occupant protection (AOP), it outperformed its ICE sibling, the XUV 3XO.

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson became the first Hyundai model to undergo testing by Bharat NCAP. It is equipped with a robust safety package that includes 6 airbags as standard, a 360-degree camera, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Additionally, the SUV comes with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. It also has front and rear parking sensors and ISOFIX child seat mounts, enhancing its practicality and safety for families.

Citroën Basalt

The Citroën Basalt, launched in India in August 2024, gained attention for its distinctive SUV-coupe design and competitive pricing. In October 2024, it further solidified its appeal by earning a 4-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP crash tests.

The Basalt is equipped with a comprehensive safety package, including six airbags as standard, ensuring robust occupant protection. Additional features such as hill-start assist, electronic stability control (ESC), and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) enhance its safety credentials.

Tata Curvv

The Tata Curvv, Tata Motors' bold take on the SUV-coupe design, has raised the bar by achieving a 5-star safety rating for both adult and child occupant protection in Bharat NCAP crash tests. This makes it a standout in its segment, outperforming rivals like the Citroën Basalt.

The Curvv is equipped with a robust safety package that includes six airbags as standard, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and electronic stability control (ESC). These features ensure strong occupant protection and vehicle stability.

Tata Curvv.ev

The Tata Curvv.ev, the electric counterpart of the ICE-powered Curvv, has matched its sibling's safety excellence by securing a 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP crash tests. Notably, the Curvv.ev recorded slightly higher safety scores than its petrol-powered version, further cementing its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle.

The Curvv.ev features the same comprehensive safety package as the ICE variant, including six airbags, a 360-degree camera, and front and rear parking sensors. Additionally, it offers Level-2 ADAS, ensuring cutting-edge driver assistance and enhanced safety for occupants. 

Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon, crash-tested by Global NCAP in February 2024, further validated its safety credentials by earning a 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP tests conducted in May 2024.

Tata Nexon.ev

The Tata Nexon EV, tested by Bharat NCAP, has matched the safety excellence of its ICE-powered sibling by securing a 5-star safety rating. Notably, the EV version achieved a slightly higher overall score, reinforcing its position as a top-tier choice for safety-conscious buyers.

Equipped with an extensive safety suite, the Nexon EV offers six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and ISOFIX child-seat mounts. Additional features like front and rear parking sensors, hill hold control, hill descent control, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold enhance its safety and convenience.

Tata Punch.ev

The Tata Punch.ev, the only micro-SUV tested by Bharat NCAP in 2024, has earned an impressive 5-star safety rating, continuing Tata’s tradition of offering high safety standards. Notably, when compared to other EVs tested by the agency, the Punch.ev stands out with superior AOP and COP points, making it the top performer in its segment.

The Punch.ev comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including six airbags as standard, a 360-degree camera, and electronic stability control (ESC). Additionally, it offers an electronic parking brake with auto hold, along with hill hold control and hill descent control. These features ensure a secure driving experience, further enhancing the vehicle's safety credentials.