Crash tests conducted by Global New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), a UK-based safety watchdog, have revealed that Five top selling Indian cars, including the Mahindra Scorpio, a well known Indian SUV have very poor levels of adult occupant protection and have been rated with Zero stars.
The other cars include Renault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, and Hyundai Eon.
The five models were crashed at an average speed of 57 km/h to check the interior structure was reliable.
The tests revealed that all the five cars mentioned above posed fatal risks for the driver as well as its occupants in the event of a crash.
All 5 cars given ZERO star:
All the five cars failed to earn a single star in adult safety measures while regarding child safety; only Scorpio managed to get two stars while all the rest except Celerio failed to open their account.
The tests saw all the models devoid of airbags, driven at 64kmph (40mph) into a block simulating a head-on collision. The NCAP also simulated a crash as per UN specifications, a frontal collision at the slightly slower speed of 56kmph.
Suzuki Maruti Celerio – NO Airbags
NCAP expressed surprise that globally renowned manufacturer like Renault launched the Kwid without essential safety features. NCAP further asked car makers to make sure their products comply with UN’s minimum crash test regulations, and support use of an airbag.
Car safety is a very critical pre-requisite for passenger safety together with the fitment of at least two of front airbags.
Renault Kwid:
The UK-based safety watchdog welcomed the Bharat New Car Assessment Program. However it will be effective from October 2017, and it has asked all the erring car manufacturers to withdraw the cars with poor safety features.
Only Renault India has said that it will enforce remedial measures and fully supports this initiative regarding technology, design, and engineering. Maruti Suzuki has declined to comment, and there has been no word from Hyundai also.
