In the evolving Indian automotive market, “5-star safety ratings” have become a focal point for consumers. When purchasing a car, whether new or used, buyers are now considering safety alongside factors such as mileage and appearance. This article explains how cars earn a 5-star rating, the process of crash testing, and what it means in real-world scenarios.
Crash tests are designed to evaluate how well a car protects its occupants in a collision. With a significant number of injuries and fatalities occurring on roads annually, assessing the effectiveness of a car’s safety features, including airbags and seatbelts, is crucial, which is achieved through crash testing.
Globally, the NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) and similar organizations conduct these tests. India has recently introduced Bharat NCAP. Additionally, European NCAP, Latin NCAP, and Global NCAP are key organizations that test cars sold worldwide.
The crash test process involves subjecting cars to different collision types and conditions.
Post-test, data from sensors embedded in dummies (human-like devices) is analyzed. This data provides information on the potential for injury to the head, chest, legs, and spine. The car’s score is then determined based on this data.
* 0 to 1 star: Low safety rating
* 2 to 3 stars: Moderate safety rating
* 4 stars: Good safety rating
* 5 stars: Highest level of safety
It is important to understand that a 5-star safety rating doesn’t mean a vehicle is 100% safe. Instead, it demonstrates the car offers a higher degree of safety compared to other models. Factors like speed and road conditions also impact safety in real-world accidents.
Given the high number of accidents in India, it is critical for consumers to understand the safety features of their vehicles. The enhanced sales of cars such as the Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV300 after achieving 5-star ratings are a testament to this.
The Maruti Victoris, recently launched, received a 5-star rating in the Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) crash test. The Maruti Victoris is available at prices ranging from approximately 10.50 lakh rupees to 19.99 lakh rupees. It offers 6 airbags, Level-2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, and features like ABS and ESP as standard safety equipment.