Tata Motors Attains 5-Star Safety Ratings In Maiden Bharat NCAP Crash Tests

Pratyaksh Dubey Dec 23, 2023

The much-awaited Bharat NCAP crash test report is out. Tata Motor has sent two of their flagship cars for testing: the Safari and the Harrier. Both of the cars receive a five-star rating for adult and child occupant protection.

Although the Bharat NCAP crash test is voluntary and not mandatory for now, Harrier and Safari facelifts scored 30.08 out of 32 for adults and 44.54 out of 49 for child safety.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, posted on social media platforms 'X' stating, "Congratulations to Tata Motor for the historic achievement! Presenting the first-ever Bharat NCAP 5-star rating certification to the new Safari and Harrier is a momentous stride in enhancing consumer safety. BNCAP stands as India's independent advocate for vehicle safety, setting benchmarks for global standards. A commendable feat that resonates with the commitment to excellence and the well-being of the Indian consumer."

The programme is applicable to type-approved motor vehicles in the M1 category with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) less than 3.5T. The base variants of a given model are tested.

This programme started on October 1, 2023 and is based on Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197. The programme aims to create an ecosystem of competitive safety enhancements, leading to increased awareness among consumers.

Consumers can make an informed decision by making a comparative assessment of vehicle performance under crash test conditions.

In response to the minister's tweet, Tata Motors replied, "We are honoured by the Bharat-NCAP's acknowledgment of our vehicles and for awarding the Tata Harrier and Safari with the first-ever Bharat-NCAP five-star rating. We shall continue to uphold the highest safety standards at all times and ensure a safe ever after for our customers."

Key safety features offered by Safari and Harrier

Seven airbags, with six as standard across personas Electronic Stability Control, three-point seatbelts in all rows Seat belt reminder for all passengers Isofix tethers, seatbelts with retractor, pretensioner, load limiter (RPLL) and anchor pretensioner Reinforced cabin structure enhanced to provide symmetric crash performance and side pole impact.

“Bharat-NCAP is a significant step forward as it provides customers with a credible, objective score to evaluate the safety aspects of various vehicles. Informed customers taking optimal decisions will further foster the rising preference for safer vehicles in the country. We acknowledge and appreciate the collaborative efforts of the government, regulatory bodies, and the automotive industry in this pursuit," said Shailesh Chandra, MD, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility.

Prior to the implementation of Bharat NCAP, the majority of Indian automotive manufacturers would submit their vehicles for assessment to the Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP), well-known for its evaluations of car safety.

GNCAP, a UK-registered charity established in 2011, seeks to foster collaboration among various NCAP agencies and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It is committed to the target of reducing road deaths and injuries by 50 per cent by the year 2030.

Cars undergoing assessment by GNCAP receive ratings based on the number of stars they achieve. The higher the star rating, the greater the perceived safety of the vehicle. This assessment process includes distinct ratings for adult occupants in the front seat and child safety for those situated in the second row.

GNCAP assesses the availability and effectiveness of safety features such as airbags, seatbelts, electronic stability control, and autonomous emergency braking.