Global NCAP trashes Indian cars that have passed valid Indian tests

In a country where cows, stray dogs, humans, scooters, cars and trucks, among others, try and share space on pot holes roads, it comes as a major surprise when the New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP), a non profit organisation registered in the UK, has come out with a crash test which says that cars like the Renault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Mahindra Scorpio and Hyundai Eon have all failed to protect the adult occupants.

Even while the manufacturers of these cars are following every safety standard set by the Government of India and clearing every test set forth by bodies like ARAI, the people behind Global NCAP have trashed the cars based on tests done abroad in conditions that may or may not be conducive to that in India. What really needs to be asked is: Does NCAP have an axe to grind in India?

The latest Indian crash test results from Global NCAP released in Delhi say that all five models are rated as zero star. These models included the Renault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Mahindra Scorpio and Hyundai Eon. All these models showed low levels of adult occupant protection.

The Renault Kwid was tested in three versions, including one with airbags, but each was rated as zero star for adult safety. Commenting on the latest crash test results, David Ward, Secretary General of Global NCAP said, “The latest SaferCarsforIndia results show how important it is for cars to have a body shell that can remain stable in a crash. This is an absolutely crucial pre-requisite for occupant safety together with fitment at least of front air bags. It is very surprising that a manufacturer like Renault introduced the Kwid initially lacking this essential feature. Global NCAP strongly believes that no manufacturer anywhere in the world should be developing new models that are so clearly sub-standard. Car makers must ensure that their new models pass the UN’s minimum crash test regulations, and support use of an airbag.

“We welcome Renault’s efforts to correct this and we look forward to testing another improved version with airbags. Renault has a strong record of achievement in safety in Europe and it should offer the same commitment to its customers in India.”

Ward was speaking during the Indian Automobile Safety Conference hosted by IRTE in Faridabad. “The results highlight the importance of the Indian Government’s decision to mandate front and side impact crash tests from October 2017. Legislative action is needed to ensure that the minimum levels of occupant protection recommended by the United Nations are guaranteed for Indian consumers. But manufacturers don’t have to wait for legislation and we urge them to act to eliminate all zero star cars from production as soon as possible. Global NCAP also welcomes the forthcoming launch of a Bharat New Car Assessment Programme which can help build a market for safer cars in India,” Ward noted.

Mahindra & Mahindra in a press statement noted that “All Mahindra automotive products are developed and manufactured to meet or exceed the safety standards set in India for a safe driving experience.  In fact, many models exceed the expected regulations of 2019. The star rating as released by Global NCAP (GNCAP) in the latest crash test was conducted on non-airbags variant of the Scorpio. Typically, in any star rating process, non-airbag variants do not perform well on safety standards. Most variants of the Scorpio are equipped with airbags and a safety package. Approximately 75% of Scorpio customers choose the air bags variants of the vehicle.  There is nothing more important to us than our customer’s safety.  We are committed to meeting and exceeding all current and future safety norms and in most cases giving our customers choice of enhanced safety beyond the regulated standards.”

Renault Kwid

The Global NCAP tested the standard version of the Kwid without airbags. It scored zero stars in adult occupant protection and two stars in child occupant protection. The collapse of the structure in the passenger compartment and the lack of airbags explained the poor result.