India has an unfortunate reputation for being the most dangerous country to drive a car in. According to a report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, 9.5 out of every 100,000 people will die in road fatalities in 2022. In such an environment, getting a crash-safe vehicle is important. In this blog, we have compiled the top 10 safest cars in India as per the Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) ratings.
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Understanding Global NCAP Ratings
Global NCAP safety tests are frontal impact tests that simulate a collision between two cars of equal weight at 50 km/h. In this test, vehicles slam into a deformable barrier at 40 mph (64 km/h), but only 40% of the vehicles are impacted in a frontal collision. The crash test dummies represent the typical passengers in a car (two adults in the front seats and two children in the back seats) and simulate a normal family car trip.
The occupant protection values for adults and children achieved in these crash tests determine the safety rating. The assessment mainly uses dummy measurements, and additional points are awarded for the installation of certain safety features.
Top 10 Safest Cars in India
The list of the top 10 safest cars in India includes Global NCAP safety ratings (as of April 1, 2024) for adult and child occupants and body types. Ranked in descending order based on Adult Occupant Protection Rating:
Tata Harrier
Price: Rs 15.49 Lakh to Rs 24.
49 Lakh Year of Launch: 2019
The Tata Harrier is the safest Indian car according to the Global NCAP Adult Safety Rating.
The Harrier makes safety a top priority, with six airbags as standard, and the top model gets a driver’s knee airbag. Other notable safety features include ISOFIX child seat mounts, an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and a Panic Brake Alert, making it an attractive choice for safety-conscious consumers.
Tata Safari
Price: Starting from Rs 16.19 Lakh to Rs 25.49 Lakh
Launch Year: October 17, 2023
The Safari comes equipped with a host of safety features including six airbags, ESP, traction control, ISOFIX, child seat mount and hill start assistant. With three cars in the top 10 safest cars in India, Tata demonstrates its commitment to providing cars that prioritize safety without sacrificing performance or comfort.
Tata Nexon
Price: INR 8.15 Lakh to INR 15.60 Lakh
Launched: 2017
The Tata Nexon was the first model to achieve a 5-star rating in 2018. Its security features have been enhanced several times since then. The model comes with six airbags and a strong construction. Other safety features include blind-spot monitors, tyre pressure monitoring, parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and electronic stability control.
Volkswagen Virtus
Price: Rs 11.48 lakh to Rs 19.29 lakh
Launch Year: March 9, 2022
The Volkswagen Virtus is a standout model in the premium mid-size segment. It is also one of the safest cars in India. The VW Virtus sets high safety standards and comes with advanced features like six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Park Distance Control, Rearview Camera, Hill Start Assist, Front Seatbelt Warning Light, Multi-Collision Braking, etc.
Skoda Slavia
Price: Rs 10.89 lakh to Rs 19.12 lakh
Launch Year: November 2021
Like the Volkswagen Virtus, the Skoda Slavia is sold in the premium mid-size sedan segment. To ensure the safety of its occupants, the Skoda Slavia comes equipped with key safety features such as six airbags, multi-collision braking, ABS, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Electronic Stability Control.
Skoda Kushaq
Price: Rs 10.89 Lakh to Rs 20 Lakh
Launch Year: 2021
Skoda Kushaq prioritizes safety with various features like 6 airbags, rollover protection, hill start assist, traction control, ABS, brake wipers, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) etc. These safety measures underscore Skoda’s commitment towards a safe driving experience.
Volkswagen Taigun
Price: Rs 11.62 lakh to Rs 19.76 lakh
Launch year: 2021
The Volkswagen Taigun is a major player in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment.
The model strengthens its safety credentials with advanced features like six airbags, ISOFIX child safety mounts, multi-collision braking and hill start assist.
Mahindra Scorpio-N
Price: Starting from Rs 12.73 lakh to Rs 24.03 lakh
Launch Year: 2022
Scorpio-N has passed the stringent tests as per the new Global NCAP protocol with flying colours. With standard safety features like dual front airbags, ABS, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), TPMS and ISOFIX child seat mounts, the Mahindra Scorpio N earns the title of one of the safest cars in India.
Hyundai Verna
Price: Rs 10.96 lakh to Rs 17.38 lakh
Year Launched: 2006
The redesigned Hyundai Verna showcases a striking cosmetic change with an eye-catching LED daytime running light bar that highlights its commitment to security. The Verna comes standard with safety features like six airbags, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
This underlines Hyundai’s commitment to providing a safe driving experience to its customers.
Tata Punch
Price: Rs 5.82 million to 9.48 million
Launched: 2006
The entry-level SUV from Tata Motors, the Tata Punch, has quickly gained popularity in the micro-SUV segment, offering SUV appeal within the premium hatchback class. With safety features like dual airbags, rear parking sensors, 4-channel ABS and child-safe ISOFIX anchorage, the Tata Punch underlines its commitment to providing a safe and reliable driving experience.
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