Understanding car safety ratings

What do you take into consideration when looking for your next vehicle? Some people prioritise comfort, others want a car that looks good, and most of us want a car that offers maximum safety. A vehicle that prioritises safety keeps you and your loved ones safe. It minimises the risk of injury and helps reduce fatalities after an accident. Understanding car safety while evaluating options can seem tricky. Let’s look at the ratings provided to Indian vehicles and how you can use them to select a safe four-wheeler for your family.

Understanding car safety ratings in India

Car safety ratings refer to the scores provided to vehicles once they undergo a series of safety and crash tests. The Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP) crash-tests cars sold in India and awards safety ratings. The GNCAP checks two parameters - Adult Occupant Protection and Child Occupant Protection. Cars in India can get the highest safety rating of five stars.

Why GNCAP ratings matter

Global NCAP ratings hold significant importance in your car purchasing decision. A higher GNCAP rating signifies a safer car that can better protect you after an accident. These ratings reflect the car’s ability to withstand collisions, mitigate injury risks, and minimise the impact on occupants. By considering GNCAP ratings, you can make an informed choice and prioritise the safety of your loved ones.

Incorporating GNCAP ratings into your decision-making process

While evaluating your options, research and compare each model’s GNCAP rating. Identify vehicles with high ratings. Remember, a higher rating indicates superior safety performance. Whenever possible, prioritise cars with a 4-star GNCAP rating, as they provide commendable protection in crash scenarios.

Putting safety first - Considering other safety features

A car’s GNCAP rating is an essential consideration - but it’s not the only one. Along with a car’s GNCAP score, you must consider other safety features. You could look for the following additional features for enhanced safety:

1. Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

ADAS refers to advanced technologies that assist drivers on the road. They use sensors and cameras to detect nearby obstacles or driver errors and respond. Adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane departure warning fall under ADAS. They help you navigate through traffic safely.

2. Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS)

A vehicle’s ABS prevents the wheels from locking while engaging the brakes. It maintains traction with the road surface and allows you to maintain control.

Understanding car safety ratings_300 x 158_2.jpg

3. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC is an active safety feature that most Indian cars have. It automatically applies brakes on individual wheels so you do not lose control. The ESC also monitors the throttle, steering and rotation around the car’s vertical axis. It detects loss of stability and reacts accordingly.

4. Airbags

Airbags are concealed fabric balloons that inflate on impact to protect the passengers in a vehicle. The airbag rules in India have undergone several changes since 2019. In July 2019, a driver’s airbag became mandatory. Following this, dual front airbags were made compulsory in 2022. From 1st October 2023, all passenger vehicles must have six airbags to protect occupants.

Indian cars with high safety ratings

In April 2023, four-wheelers got tested as per the new GNCAP ratings. Here’s a look at the five safest cars in India:

Volkswagen Virtus