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In the past, safety features in automobiles manufactured in India were often restricted to higher-end models, which came at considerable costs. As time progressed, regulations and safety expectations evolved. Presently, even cars that are comparatively affordable are equipped with an array of safety technologies. When referring to affordable vehicles, we specifically mean those priced below Rs 10,00,000 (ex-showroom). Numerous models available within this price range now include standard safety features such as six airbags, electronic stability control, brake assist, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist, and emergency stop signals.
The launch of the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP) introduced a safety rating system for vehicles in India, aligned with international testing standards. This program has already performed crash tests on various car models and published the findings. As part of Bharat NCAP's procedure, only the base variant of a model undergoes testing. Cars are evaluated on three crucial aspects: protection for adult occupants, protection for child occupants, and the availability of safety assistance technologies.
The crash tests consist of several evaluations: the offset deformable barrier frontal impact test, the side impact test, and the pole side impact test. The frontal impact test occurs at a speed of 64 km/h, the side impact test at 50 km/h, and the pole side impact test at 29 km/h. Cars receive ratings and points in both the adult and child occupant protection categories. Ratings are scored on a scale from zero to five stars, while a maximum of 32 points can be awarded for adult occupant protection and 49 points for child occupant protection. Below, we present a selection of cars priced under Rs 10,00,000 (ex-showroom) that have achieved a 5-star safety rating according to Bharat NCAP.
Skoda Kylaq: The newly introduced Skoda Kylaq achieved a total of 30.88 points for adult occupant protection and 45.00 points for child occupant protection in the Bharat NCAP evaluations, earning a five-star rating in both categories. This compact SUV is available at prices ranging from Rs 7,89,000 to Rs 14,40,000 (ex-showroom).
Mahindra XUV 3XO: Priced between Rs 7,99,000 and Rs 15,56,500 (ex-showroom), the Mahindra XUV 3XO also achieved five stars for both adult and child safety during the Bharat NCAP tests, earning scores of 29.36 for adults and 43.00 for children.
Tata Nexon: Often regarded as a pioneer in safety within the budget-friendly segment, the Tata Nexon has received a five-star safety rating from both Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP. This popular model scored 29.41 points in the adult occupant protection assessment and 43.83 points for child occupant protection. It is priced from Rs 7,99,990 to Rs 15,59,990 (ex-showroom).
Tata Curvv: Starting at Rs 9,99,990 (ex-showroom) for its base variant, the Tata Curvv earned a five-star rating at Bharat NCAP with scores of 29.50 points for adult safety and 43.66 points for child safety in the mid-size SUV category.
Tata Punch.ev: The Tata Punch.ev begins at a price of Rs 9,99,000 (ex-showroom). As Tata's entry-level electric SUV, it garnered top scores, achieving 31.46 points in adult occupant protection and 45.00 points for child occupant protection. All Tata SUVs, including the Punch.ev, have attained a five-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP, following the same successful safety trajectory.
