Safety has become one of the key features that one should look out for when buying a new car, considering the rise of accidents happening around. It has become a huge concern for both vehicle insurers and consumers. A need for standardizing safety standards arose, which eventually led to Global NCAP Safety rating. This article will guide you through the depths of Global NCAP, understanding its meaning and how it works.
What is Global NCAP?
Global NCAP (Global New Car Assessment Program) is an independent organization that assigns safety stars (out of 5) for a new vehicle by conducting various crash tests. It evaluates and determines the safety of a car sold in various markets throughout the world with the help of collaborating governments and car manufacturers. G-NCAP has played a vital role in increasing the safety parameters of a new vehicle by making crash tests more visible and accessible to the consumers.
How Does Global NCAP Test the Safety of Vehicles?
G-NCAP uses various crash tests with set parameters in order to determine the safety of the vehicle. Crash-dummies are used as passengers in the vehicle. These tests are simulations of real-life crashes that can happen to a car (like 2 cars colliding or car bumping into an object). These tests determine the safety features of the car and the structural integrity of the entire vehicle. The safety stars are determined by Adult Occupant Protection scores and Child Occupant Protection scores along with additional points for safety features.
Adult Occupant Protection
This score is determined by the damage done to crash dummies in the car during the crash test. It tests the seat belt integrity, structural integrity, air bag usage and other safety features of the car. Along with these factors, the damage done to the dummies after the safety features are deployed affects the overall score of Adult Occupant Protection Score.
Child Occupant Protection
This score is determined by using child dummies in the vehicle, seated in the ISOFIX seats. Also, the score is adjusted by the car’s features available for the children like presence of ISOFIX seat mounts. This, along with the damage done to the crash dummy in the crash test determines Child Occupant Protection score. It is important for a family with children to keep an eye for this score to keep the safety of children in check.
Why is NCAP Rating Important When Buying New Cars?
Today, checking the global NCAP rating of the vehicle is as important as checking the key specifications of the car while making a new purchase. Safety has become one of the top concerns of today’s population and having a better NCAP safety rating attracts more customers. These ratings help the customer understand how the car can protect its occupants in case of a crash.
The importance of NCAP while buying new cars is as follows:
Standard Benchmark
Global NCAP has now become a standard benchmark for a vehicle safety rating. Every manufacturer is aiming to achieve 5-Star NCAP ratings in order to make the car safer and appealing to the customers.
Reduce Risk
Higher NCAP Ratings indicate more safety features, and a sturdy structure of the car, providing a safer and secure environment while driving.
Low Insurance Premiums
Higher NCAP Rated cars have less premiums than Less NCAP Rated cars, as they are less likely to be severely damaged in case of a crash.
Showcases Safety Performance
The NCAP rating directly indicates how well the vehicle does in case of a real life crash.
Family Protection
As NCAP ratings showcase Adult and Children protection scores, it is essential for a family to keep an eye on it to ensure the safety of the entire family (Adults and children).
Top Cars in India by Global NCAP Rating Standards
| Car | GNCAP Rating - Adult Occupant | GNCAP Rating - Child Occupant |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Harrier | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Maruti Dzire | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Tata Safari | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Volkswagen Virtus | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Skoda Slavia | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Skoda Kushaq | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Volkswagen Taigun | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Hyundai Verna | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Mahindra Scorpio N | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Tata Punch | 5 stars | 5 stars |
Cars in India are also rated by the Global NCAP ratings safety standard. Tata specifically stands out as one of the safest cars available in India with cars like Safari and Harrier topping the list.
Key Takeaways
At present, safety is a concern that must not be overlooked. G-NCAP provides an excellent standard of safety rating that will help you decide on purchasing a new car. It is also important to note that having a high rated NCAP car will have lower car insurance premium. As the popular saying goes “Safety comes first”. As you safeguard yourself by purchasing a higher G-NCAP car, safeguarding your car with car insurance is also essential. Drive safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q). What is a good NCAP rating?
Ans: G-NCAP Ratings are up to 5 stars. The closer to 5 stars, the better.
Q). Are All Vehicle Types And Models Tested By Global NCAP?
Ans: No, Global NCAP doesn't test all vehicle types and models,
Q). Is Global NCAP testing mandatory in India?
Ans: No it is not mandatory in India to have a Global NCAP testing.
Q). Can A Higher Global Ncap Rating Affect My Vehicle Insurance Premiums?
Ans: Yes, a higher G-NCAP Rating lowers your insurance premiums as these cars are typically strong built and do not take severe damages in a crash.
Q). Which variant of the car is used in the crash test of Global NCAP?
Ans: The Global NCAP uses the base variant of the car for testing.
Q). What Should I Look For In A Vehicle To Ensure Safety Beyond The Global NCAP Rating?
Ans: In addition to the NCAP rating, consider features like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Blind-spot monitoring, Lane departure warning systems.
Q). Is a 3-star Global NCAP rating good enough?
Ans: 3-star ratings indicate basic safety features, however consider checking full test results for better information.
