Driving in India can feel like navigating a maze of unpredictable conditions. We know this daily from our travels to the office or a trip to the countryside. Indian buyers often prioritise roadworthiness over crashworthiness.

Here is where Global NCAP comes in. It is a non-profit organisation that provides automobile safety ratings in India. The safety assessment as per Global NCAP is based on three parameters: Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP) & Safety Assists Technologies (SAT). India has also got its car-rating system for car safety known as Bharat NCAP.
What is Global NCAP?
Global NCAP is a safety rating organisation that evaluates vehicles through crash testing based on UN standards. It also launched the ‘Safer Choice’ award back in 2018 to encourage automakers to include and upgrade various safety technologies and standards.
Global NCAP’s #SaferCarsForIndia campaign started in 2014 and the very first batch of Indian cars tested had zero stars. This directly led to India strengthening its crash safety regulations. Indian automakers like Tata Motors and Mahindra rose to the occasion - today, they lead the pack with multiple 5-star rated cars like the Tata Harrier, Nexon, XUV700 and many more.
List of Top 10 Safest Cars as per Global NCAP Rating in India
Below is the list of safest cars in India as per Global NCAP rating:
Rank | Car Model | Adult Safety Out of 34 | Child Safety Out of 49 | Ex-Showroom Starting Price (In ₹)* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tata Harrier | 33.5 | 45 | ₹ 14.9 Lakh | |
Tata Nexon | 32.22 | 44.52 | ₹ 7.00 Lakh | |
Maruti Suzuki New Dzire | 31.24 | 39.02 | ₹ 6.48 Lakh | |
Volkswagen Virtus | 29.71 | 42 | ₹ 13.57 Lakh | |
Skoda Slavia | 29.71 | 42 | ₹ 10.34 Lakh | |
Skoda Kushaq | 29.64 | 42 | ₹ 10.99 Lakh | |
Mahindra Scorpio-N | 29.25 | 28.93 | ₹13.39 Lakh | |
Hyundai Verna | 28.18 | 42 | ₹ 11.07 Lakh | |
Kia Carens | 22.07 | 41 | ₹ 10.59 Lakh | |
Mahindra XUV 700 | 16.03 | 41.66 | ₹ 14.49 Lakh |
The prices are subject to vary as per dealer, location, company decision and many other factors.
1. Tata Harrier
The Tata Harrier has received the 'Safer Choice' award from Global NCAP. It is built on the OMEGA (Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced) architecture, which is derived from Land Rover’s D8 platform.
Below are some interesting features of Tata Harrier:
- Fortified safety with 7 airbags, Advanced ESP, and many more
- ADAS Level 2+ with 21 safety functions
- Voice-assisted panoramic sunroof
- The powerful Kryotec 2.0 L Diesel Engine with 6-speed Auto and Manual transmission redefines your driving experience
2. Tata Nexon
Tata Nexon is an all-in-one car with a fortified cab enhancing its safety. It has a ground clearance of 209 mm which is leading in its segment. It subtly honours India’s national animal with its tacky design. It comes with a 26.03 cm floating infotainment system and air purifier.
Below are some interesting features of Tata Nexon:
- Level 2 ADAS which includes a 360-degree camera, Blind view monitor, tyre pressure monitoring system, etc
- 382 L boot space
- 8- JBL speakers
- 1.2 L Turbocharged Petrol/ Petrol +CNG option and 1.5 L Diesel 4-cylinder engine
3. Maruti Suzuki New Dzire
The Maruti Suzuki New Dzire is not only a safety package but also a classic comeback. It is nothing like the old Dzire. With its sleek design, electric sunroof, cruise control and steering-mounted control it is a complete makeover in all aspects. It comes in gallant red, alluring blue, nutmeg brown, blueish black and many more colours.
Below are the interesting features of the Maruti Suzuki New Dzire:
- Safety features include 6 airbags, enhanced structural integrity, speed-sensitive auto door locking, etc
- Best-in-segment fuel efficiency of 25.71 km/l (AMT)
- Shark fin antenna
- Automatic climate control
4. Volkswagen Virtus
Volkswagen Virtus has a sporty design befitting its name Virtus. The name comes from Latin roots meaning strong and dependable, stylish with integrity and balanced performance in the automobile. It has a 1.0 L GT line and a 1.5 L GT plus sports engine variant.
Below are the interesting features of the Volkswagen Vitrus:
- 40+safety features which include speed-sensing door lock, Isofix child seat preparation with toptheter, All seats with 3-point seat belts, etc
- Ground clearance - 179 (unladen) and 145 (laden)
- Signature tail lamps and GT badging
5. Skoda Slavia
The Skoda Slavia has a light design with crystalline LED lights. Electric seats for the driver and co-driver, all-weather comfort, ambient lighting, and an electric sunroof with anti-pinch technology are some of the premium features that enhance the overall driving experience and comfort in the cabin.
Below are the interesting features of Skoda Slavia:
- ADAS Level 2
- 25.4cm infotainment system and 20.32cm virtual cockpit
- My Skoda Connect app
- 1.0 and 1.5 L Turbo Stratified Injection (TSI) engine
6. Skoda Kushaq
Embracing Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ philosophy, the Skoda Kushaq has a signature grille and striking headlamps with an electric sunroof. It was among the first stars to receive a high safety rating under the Global NCAP test.
Following are a few interesting features of Skoda Kushaq:
- ADAS level 2 which includes a Traction control system, Anti-lock braking system, Rollover protection, Motor slip regulation, etc
- High-strength steel frames
- 1.0 L TSI engine and 1.5 L TSI engine
7. Mahindra Scorpio-N
Mahindra has officially nicknamed the Scorpio-N the ‘Big Daddy’. It also comes with 12 Sony speaker systems, a mStallion and mHawk engine, signature front lamps, sequential LED, and R18 diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Below are the interesting features of Scorpio-N:
- ADAS level 2 with 6 airbags, Driver drowsiness detector, Electronic stability control, etc
- Ventilated seats
- Wireless charger
- Zip (easy control), Zap (performance mode), and Zoom (balanced mode)
8. Hyundai Verna
The Hyundai Verna is a premium sedan with a futuristic design and a powerful 1.5 L engine. The body is that of a sleek ninja combining speed, action and acceleration. The mini-sunroof on its head makes it a classic sedan with all modern features and comfort.
Below are the interesting features of the Hyundai Verna:
- Level 2 ADAS which includes 65+ safety features including 30 standard safety features
- Front ventilated and heated seats
- Voice-enabled smart electric sunroof
9. Kia Carens
The Kia Carens was engineered to offer flexibility for families. Its interior features sliding and reclining second-row seats and an optional third-row seating configuration, allowing it to accommodate up to seven passengers or provide ample cargo space when needed.
Below are the interesting features of Kia Carens:
- ADAS level 2 has a high strong steel structure, 6- airbags, and all-wheel disc brake
- First-in-class Dashcam with dual camera
- Smart air purifier
- Bose premium sound system with 8 speakers
10. Mahindra XUV700
The Mahindra XUV700 is the first vehicle to have built-in Alexa. It has the first-in-segment integrated display panel of 26.03cm for both infotainment and digital cluster. It is a fierce competitor among the wider Mahindra XUV lineup.
Below are the interesting features of the Mahindra XUV700:
- Level 2 ADAS with 7- airbags, Electronic stability control, Forward collision warning, Lane keep assist, Traffic sign recognition, Automatic emergency braking, etc
- Mahindra XUV700 Ebony edition is a blackscape for car lovers
- The Adrenox intelligent system aids in driving and safety along with many more features
- The panoramic rectangular sunroof adds to its beauty.
Why Should Safety Matter While Buying a Car?
According to 2022 data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), there were 4,61,312 road accidents in India, resulting in 4,43,366 injuries and 1,68,491 fatalities. These figures might have increased by now with a marginal rise.
Accidents strike without warning, often when least expected. Whether you are driving at a safe speed or not is a question for later. It will occur abruptly and the only thing you can do is file a First Information Report (FIR) and an insurance claim. Safety should be among the top 5 priority factors when you are buying a car. Additionally, a higher price tag doesn’t always guarantee better safety because a car might have top performance but if its crash avoidance system is not up-to-date or equipped with an adequate ADAS system, it will have the same vulnerability as a mid-range car. Last but not least, having your four wheeler insurance will add to the safety of your vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questins
Which Tata car has a 5-star rating?
Tata cars such as Tata CurvvEV, Tata Curvv, Tata Nexon, Tata Punch EV, Tata Nexon EV, and Tata Harrier/Safari have a 5-star rating.
Which is the No. 1 safest car?
Tata Harrier is the No.1 safest car in India.
Which SUV has the best 5-star rating in India?
Kia Syros, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Tata Safari, and Tata Harrier have the best 5-star rating in India.
Which 7-seater car has a 5-star safety rating?
Tata Safari is a 7-seater that has a 5-star rating.
Which car brand is safest?
Tata Motors is the safest car brand in India.
Which cars have six airbags in India?
Many cars such as the Tata Harrier, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Hyundai Aura, Skoda Kushaq, Skoda Salvia, etc.
What is the test speed for the crash test in Bharat NCAP?
Bharat NCAP frontal-offset impact test is performed at 64km/h while the side impact test is performed at 50km/h & the pole side impact test is performed at 29km/h.