India has the highest road fatalities in the world. Road accidents in India has claimed 1,51,417 lives. This indicate an increase of 2.5% over the figure for 2017. About 87% of road accident related deaths happen in the most productive age group of 18-60. Road accident death not only cause severe trauma to the family of the victim but they also result in huge economic loss to our Nation. In July, 2019 Ministry of Road Transport and Highway, Government of India made it mandatory for all passenger cars to have dual front airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), seat belt reminders for both driver and co-driver, seat belt pre-tensioners, high-speed alert system, reverse parking sensors and a manual override switch for central locking system.
The #SaferCarsForIndia Campaign was launched by Global NCAP, the umbrella body of consumer car safety testing bodies in 2014 with the objective of promoting safer vehicles in the country. Between 2014 and 2020 Global NCAP has completed more than thirty-five safety assessments which have acted as an important catalyst in the safety improvement of Indian cars. A car is a metal cage, and the probability of survival of the occupants depends on the structural rigidity of the vehicle. Here is where crash test safety ratings come in, which certifies how your car’s safety features will perform in the event of an accident. Understanding this can help you make a good decision in buying a safer car. Here are the top 5 safest hatchback cars sold in India. All cars mentioned below are priced below Rs.10 Lakhs (ex.showroom).
5. Hyundai i20
The Hyundai i20 scored three stars for adult occupant protection and two stars for child occupant protection. The i20 offers 2 frontal airbags as standard. Its bodyshell was rated as unstable. Head and neck protection for adult occupants was good. Driver’s chest showed marginal protection and passenger chest showed adequate protection. The footwell area was rated as unstable. The child seat for the 18 month old child was able to prevent excessive forward movement during the impact. The 3 year old exceeded the forward excursion limit. The child seat for the 3 year old child was able to prevent excessive forward movement during the impact. The Hyundai i20 doesn’t offer 3 point seatbelts and ISOFIX as a standard feature. The passenger airbag can be disabled. The standard safety features of the Hyundai i20 includes dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, seat belt pre-tensioners with force limiter, reverse parking sensors, driver seat belt reminder and high-speed alert system.
Click here for detailed crash test report of the Hyundai i20
4. Toyota Etios Liva
The Toyota Etios Liva scored four stars for adult occupant protection and two stars for child occupant protection. The Etios Liva offers 2 frontal airbags as standard. Its bodyshell was rated as stable. Head and neck protection for adult occupants was good. Chest protection for both adults was adequate. The child seat for the 1.5 year old child was able to prevent excessive forward movement during the impact. The 3 year old exceeded the forward excursion limit. The standard safety features of the updated Toyota Etios Liva includes dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, seat belt pre-tensioners with force limiter, reverse parking sensors, driver and co-driver seat belt reminder and high-speed alert system.
Click here for detailed crash test report of the Toyota Etios Liva
3. Tata Tiago
The Tata Tiago scored four stars for adult occupant protection and three stars for child occupant protection. The Tiago offers 2 frontal airbags as standard. Its bodyshell was rated as unstable. Head and neck protection for adult occupants was good. The footwell area was rated as unstable. Driver’s chest showed marginal protection and passenger chest showed adequate protection. The child seat for the 3 year old child was able to prevent excessive forward movement during the impact. The belted CRS for the 18 month old child was also able to prevent excessive forward movement during the impact and protected adequately well the child. Tiago doesn’t offer ISOFIX child seat mounts. The standard safety features of the new Tata Tiago includes dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, seat belt pre-tensioners with force limiter, reverse parking sensors, driver and co-driver seat belt reminder and high-speed alert system.
Click here for detailed crash test report of the Tata Tiago
2. Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo known for its build quality scored four stars for adult occupant protection and three stars for child occupant protection. The Polo offers 2 frontal airbags as standard. Its bodyshell was rated as stable. Head and neck protection for adult occupants was good. Chest protection for both adults was adequate. The child seat for the 3 year old child was able to prevent excessive forward movement during the impact. The belted CRS for the 11/2 year old child was also able to prevent excessive forward movement during the impact and protected adequately well the child. The standard safety features of the new Volkswagen Polo includes dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, seat belt pre-tensioners with force limiter, ISOFIX child seat mounts, reverse parking sensors, driver and co-driver seat belt reminder and high-speed alert system. The GT variants of Volkswagen Polo gets Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
Click here for detailed crash test report of the Volkswagen Polo
1. Tata Altroz
Tata’s premium hatchback the Altroz scored a solid five stars for adult occupant protection and three stars for child occupant protection. The Altroz offers 2 frontal airbags as standard. Its structure and its footwell area were rated as stable. Head and neck protection for adult occupants was good. Chest protection for both adults was adequate. Child occupant protection showed good protecion for the 18 month old dummy with the CRS installed rearward facing and using the standard ISOFIX anchorages. The 3 year old CRS was installed forward facing, the backrest of the seat unlatched during the crash due to the load of the top tether which was a reason for a score reduction. The standard safety features of the Tata Altroz includes dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, seat belt pre-tensioners with force limiter, ISOFIX child seat mounts, reverse parking sensors, driver and co-driver seat belt reminder and high-speed alert system. Tata Altroz is the only India made hatchback to achieve full five star rating in Global NCAP for adult protection till date.
Click here for detailed crash test report of the Tata Altroz