It was back in 2014 that Global NCAP started crash testing Indian cars as per global standards. Before this, Indian cars were not crash tested as per global standards, and buyers had to rely on manufacturers word on safety.
The first batch of cars crash tested by Global NCAP not only shocked the auto industry in India, but also the automotive industry in the world. Because not only Indian manufacturers, globally renowned auto brands also performed poorly in the test.
The first batch of cars crash tested were Maruti Alto, Tata Nano, Hyundai i10, Ford Figo and Volkswagen Polo. All five cars scored a 0 star safety rating. All cars crash tested were base models, without any airbags or ABS.
Of them, only Volkswagen took corrective action and removed the variant without airbags and ABS from the lineup almost immediately. Polo was crash tested again. And this time it scored 4 star rating – thats how much of a difference airbags and ABS makes. Other brands simply refused to acknowledge the Global NCAP ratings. Some of them even argued that international safety standards are not applicable to India, and their respective cars are safe enough for India.
That was in January 2014. Over the last 5 years or so, Indian auto industry has paid a lot of attention to making safer cars. And the results can now be seen. Yesterday, Tata Nexon became the first Indian car to score a 5 star safety rating – not only as per Indian standard, but as per global standard as well. This shows how the auto industry has evolved, and how car makers are now starting to understand the importance of making safer cars for India.
Apart from Tata, Maruti and Mahindra too have improved the build quality of their cars. From Alto and Scorpio scoring 0 stars in safety, to Brezza and Marazzo scoring 4 star safety – is proof that new generation cars of Indian car makers are safer and stronger than before. With Bharat NCAP coming into effect from next year, the future looks much safer for cars and their owners.
