Global NCAP launches the second round of 2022 #SaferCarsForIndia crash tests results today with Hyundai i20 and Creta scoring three stars for adult and child occupant protection and the Toyota Urban Cruiser reaching four stars for adult and three for child occupant protection.
For the #SaferCarsForIndia project, Global NCAP currently tests frontal crash protection for occupants and not side-impact, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and pedestrian protection. These requirements will form part of the new Global NCAP assessment protocols from July 2022.
Alejandro Furas, Secretary-General of Global NCAP said, “Although the overall star rating of these models might seem reasonable, the continued reluctance of manufacturers like Hyundai and Toyota to equip safety systems such as ESC and side body and head protection airbags as a basic requirement in India is disappointing.”
He added, “This is why Global NCAP welcomes the Indian government’s initiative of increasing side impact protection requirements and why Global NCAP will update its test protocols from July. Success in the rating assessment will then only be possible if these improved safety features are included as standard.”
David Ward, Executive President of the Towards Zero Foundation said,
“We have seen steady progress in the safety rating of models tested in India over the last six years. It’s been especially welcome that domestic automakers in India have risen to Global NCAP’s safety challenge. Global players like Toyota and Hyundai should follow their lead.”
The Creta was tested in its most basic safety spec fitted with 2 frontal airbags and ABS. It recorded an unstable structure and the risk of injury to the lower legs and feet of the driver. The lack of ISOFIX anchorages and 3 point belts in all seating positions explain the child occupant protection results.
Global NCAP was surprised to see in such a new model the lack of 3 point belts in all seating positions, lack of ESC and no side head impact protection as standard.
Toyota’s Urban Cruiser was tested in its most basic safety spec fitted with 2 frontal airbags and ABS. During the assessment, it showed a stable structure, and adequate to good protection of critical body regions of the adults.
The CRS installed using the ISOFIX anchorages showed good protection of both child occupants. The lack of 3 point belts in all seating positions and the high neck biomechanical values in the frontal crash explain the three stars for child occupant protection.
