As the demand for compact SUVs continues to rise in India, safety has become a top priority for car buyers. With advancements in technology and stricter safety regulations, manufacturers are now producing vehicles that not only offer great features and interior space but also excel in safety ratings. In this article, we will delve into the crash test ratings of some of the popular sub-4-metre SUVs available in India, providing an in-depth analysis of their safety performance and features.
1. Mahindra XUV300: The Safest Vehicle in India
The Mahindra XUV300 takes the top spot as the safest vehicle manufactured in India. With an impressive 5-star safety rating for adult occupants and a 4-star safety rating for child occupants, the XUV300 sets a high standard for safety in the compact SUV segment. What sets it apart from its competitors is the inclusion of up to 7 airbags, making it the first car in its segment to offer such a comprehensive safety feature.
2. Tata Nexon: Pioneering Safety Standards
Tata Motors has been a frontrunner in prioritizing safety in its vehicles, and the Tata Nexon is a testament to that commitment. The Nexon was the first Indian vehicle to score a 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests for adult occupancy. It also achieved a commendable 3-star rating for child occupant safety. Even the entry-level vehicles from Tata Motors, such as the Tiago and Tigor, boast a 4-star safety rating, highlighting the brand’s unwavering dedication to safety.
3. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza: A Balance of Safety and Style
The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, introduced in 2016, has been a popular choice among compact SUV enthusiasts. While the vehicle received a 4-star safety rating for adult occupants in Global NCAP crash tests, it falls slightly behind in terms of child occupant safety with a 2-star rating. Despite this, the Vitara Brezza continues to be a reliable and stylish option for those seeking both safety and aesthetics.
4. Toyota Urban Cruiser: A Rebadge of Safety
Toyota Kirloskar’s entry into the compact SUV market came in the form of the Urban Cruiser, a rebadged version of the Maruti Vitara Brezza. Sharing the same underpinnings and safety features, it is safe to assume that the safety rating of the Brezza directly applies to the Urban Cruiser as well. However, it is essential to wait for Global NCAP’s crash test results to confirm this assumption.
5. Ford EcoSport: Awaiting Global NCAP Test Results
The India-spec Ford EcoSport is yet to undergo crash testing by Global NCAP, making its safety rating currently unavailable. However, the Euro NCAP tested the vehicle in 2013, and as the underpinnings remain the same, the safety score from that evaluation still holds valid. The Euro-spec model of the EcoSport achieved a respectable 4-star safety rating overall. Similarly, the NHTSA awarded the vehicle a 4-star overall safety rating in 2018. It is crucial to reserve final judgement until the Indian model undergoes testing.
6. Hyundai Venue: Awaiting India-Spec Crash Test Results
Similar to the Ford EcoSport, the India-spec Hyundai Venue is yet to be tested for crash safety. However, the US-spec version of the Venue received exceptional safety scores and was awarded the “Top Safety Pick” title by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the USA. Furthermore, the Australian-spec model achieved a 4-star safety rating for both adult and child occupants in ANCAP. The safety performance of the India-spec model will be revealed once Global NCAP conducts its crash tests.
7. Kia Sonet: A New Entrant Awaiting Safety Testing
The Kia Sonet, a relatively new entrant in the compact SUV segment, has not undergone safety testing by any authority yet. However, given that it shares the same platform as the Hyundai Venue and offers comparable safety features, it is reasonable to theorize that both vehicles would have similar safety scores. Once the Sonet undergoes official safety testing, a more accurate assessment can be made.
8. Honda WR-V: Safety Rating Yet to be Determined
The Honda WR-V, launched in 2017, has not been crash-tested by any safety organization. Based on the third-generation Honda Fit hatchback (or Jazz), the international-spec model of the Fit has received decent safety ratings. However, it is interesting to note that the India-spec model of the WR-V has not been tested either. Further information regarding the safety performance of the WR-V will be available once it undergoes official crash testing.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety in Compact SUVs
In conclusion, the sub-4-metre SUV segment in India offers a range of vehicles with varying safety ratings. Manufacturers like Mahindra, Tata, and Maruti Suzuki have demonstrated their commitment to producing safer vehicles for Indian consumers. However, it is essential to await official crash test results from Global NCAP to have a comprehensive understanding of the safety performance of each model. As car buyers become increasingly conscious of safety, it is crucial for manufacturers to continue prioritizing safety features and achieving high safety ratings.