Repeated Case of Zero NCAP Crash Test Rating of Indian Cars

[adivik]

After Maruti literally got the Govt to implement its FAME policy when its SHVS was ready for production and has got state Govts to further give exemption for its SHVS gimmick(I say this because there are many cars which have lower emissions but are charged full Excise Duty, Infrastructure cess and VAT- SHVS cannot power the car on its own- at best its gives 10-15% power at certain speeds) , anything is possible.

 

[acechip]

Don't worry, they will make sure that every Maruti car passes it with at least 4 stars if equipped with airbags. I am expecting at max 33% as strict norms as Latin NCAP is. Maybe test speed itself will be 30-40 kph only.

I would agree with TSIVipul, with MS being such a dominant player and with Govt stakes involved, there is a question of the credibility of standards.
In fact therefore, my contention is that the BNCAP should be an independent/autonomous body . Only then the norms would be enforced.

 

[Srigopaldaliya]

Govt plans star rating for new passenger cars

"Proposal of Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) - a star rating programme of new passenger cars based on safety performance is being reviewed by the government," Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Pon Radhakrihsnan said.

Read more at: Govt plans star rating for new passenger cars - Moneycontrol.com

 

[ashutoshP]

Yet again indian cars scored zero crash ratings in the recent crash test results released NCAP in Faridabad.

The worst part is that these cars were not even structurally stable including the recently released Renault Kwid, i remember at launch, later last year, they had said that kwid meets all the required safety standards, i know there is none at present in India, but considering India is set to bring in new car safety norms by next year i was hoping high.

Cars tested - Hyundai Eon, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Maruti Celerio, Mahindra Scorpio and three models of Renault Kwid.

It seems all the cars of Maruti are structurally unstable.

Links for reference:
Zero stars for Indian cars in latest crash tests: Global NCAP | Car News | SUV/Crossovers | Autocar India

Scorpio, Eon and others fail car crash test - Times of India

Ha ha ha ha... Forget about Eon, Even India made Hyundai's famous Grand i10 scored Zero Star in Lanin NCAP. (Forget about global NCAP) and as expected from Hyundai's recentIndian versii of cars, STRUCTURE was unstable, so even airbags Won't be able to do much to improve situation. It's like hoping that a pillow will same you whene Entire building has collapsed on you.
And as expected from these foreign MNCs who treat Indian lives as cheap (so does Indian govt), they have same named car in euro market, but with vastly improved structural integrity and safety .
https://youtu.be/9pRgkzSZZO8

So, you think companies like Hyundai don't bother about life of someone paying them 7 lakes, they will bother about a customer paying only 3 lakes?

It's because of this bigotry of these companies like Hyundai, that I decided to rather go with Tata ZEST when it was not even NCAP rated, and NCAP of European version of i20 being rated 4 star. Because I can not trust them them to launch the same strong car in India, despite having the same i20 Name.

 

[AutoKrish]

Hyundai which claims being global company clearly cheated Indian customers with sub-standard cars with same global names. This attitude caused skepticism in my mind to even consider cars like Elantra. I also read somewhere, they did not launch CRETA in Australia as it failed required crash tests. But they were able to sell same cars like hot cakes. What an Irony for us. I have seen recent days Maruti at least attempting to improve their crash worthiness with cars like CIAZ. I don't know why we cannot make safety equipment like ESC mandatory in India.

 

[Akash1886]

I don't know why we cannot make safety equipment like ESC mandatory in India.

It is very easy to implement the safety norms provided like us all enthusiasts, the other owners and buyers also understand the importance of safety over those 8"-10" Touchscreen, those bum heating seats et al. The general buyers ask mainly 2 questions when buying the car i.e What's the best price? and What's the FE? So, why will a brand invest in a product to make it safe when the buyers at large don't understand the concept of safety?

Regards

Akash

 

[Razor]

It is very easy to implement the safety norms provided like us all enthusiasts, the other owners and buyers also understand the importance of safety over those 8"-10" Touchscreen, those bum heating seats et al. The general buyers ask mainly 2 questions when buying the car i.e What's the best price? and What's the FE? So, why will a brand invest in a product to make it safe when the buyers at large don't understand the concept of safety?

Regards

Akash

I whole heartedly agree. Often we berate the car manufacturers for providing substandard products in India from the perspective of safety. But we should remember that the automobile companies are here only to do business. And a good businessman is one who provides exactly what the customer wants. And in India, the customer wants chrome linings, touch screens, retractable mirrors, front middle seats (kuv 100 anyone?)and f. e. over airbags or abs. The manufacturers who have understood this are doing good business, whereas others cannot sell a decent product even if it is much safer. This situation will change gradually no doubt as the customers will become more aware and demand more safety features. Legislation can be a way to hasten this change to some extent, but in the end its the customer who makes the market.

 

[InsaneTurbo]

Hyundai which claims being global company clearly cheated Indian customers with sub-standard cars with same global names. This attitude caused skepticism in my mind to even consider cars like Elantra. I also read somewhere, they did not launch CRETA in Australia as it failed required crash tests. But they were able to sell same cars like hot cakes. What an Irony for us. I have seen recent days Maruti at least attempting to improve their crash worthiness with cars like CIAZ. I don't know why we cannot make safety equipment like ESC mandatory in India.

It's a sad state that none of the best selling manufacturers from India cares to build safer cars ! If you want a safer car with safe structure and higher safety rating , show some braveness to choose the low selling cars like Etios,Zest,Polo,Punto etc.

Also please note that none of the Suzuki cars Made in India has scored above 0 star in GlobalNCAP or EuroNCAP crash tests!

If a manufacturer who sells 1.4 Million cars in India doesn't care for safety who else should care about it !

 

[krishna6239]

@AutoKrish,
By my knowledge, Hyundai uses same body structure with same material for i20, Verna, Elantra, Tucson, Sonata and Santa Fe for all of Asia (which includes russia). However cars like eon, i10 and creta uses lower standards when compared due to effective pricing of car just for India and few Asian markets.

In my opinion only safer cars in respective segment [Doesn't include luxury cars] -

Hatchback :
Polo, Punto series, i20 (new gen)

Sedans (compact,mid,sub compact etc.,) :
Linea, Verna(2013+), Sunny, Vento, Rapid(2016+), City (old gen), elantra, jetta, fluence, cruze, corolla, octavia etc

Suv & Muv :
S-Cross, Gurkha, Duster, Safari, Tucson, Innova Crysta, New fortuner, Endeavour, MU 7, Rexton, Pajero etc [I have doubts on Thar incase of side impact]

I have not studied IMDS & structural data of 2017 models of Ciaz, City, Ignis, Force One. Just and esc equipment would costs around 70K-2L depending on manufacturer and novelty. I don't think max % of people are willing to spend 1L-3L on a Car just because it has ESC. Since the majority dictates the market, manufacturers will comply to majority's wishes.

And in India most of accidents happen due to negligence and carelessness of drivers and incorrect layout of roads. Even if you add ESC for free, it wouldn't make much difference in statistics.

 

[kkn13]

@AutoKrish,
By my knowledge, Hyundai uses same body structure with same material for i20, Verna, Elantra, Tucson, Sonata and Santa Fe for all of Asia (which includes russia). However cars like eon, i10 and creta uses lower standards when compared due to effective pricing of car just for India and few Asian markets.

In my opinion only safer cars in respective segment [Doesn't include luxury cars] -

Hatchback :
Polo, Punto series, i20 (new gen)

Sedans (compact,mid,sub compact etc.,) :
Linea, Verna(2013+), Sunny, Vento, Rapid(2016+), City (old gen), elantra, jetta, fluence, cruze, corolla, octavia etc

Suv & Muv :
S-Cross, Gurkha, Duster, Safari, Tucson, Innova Crysta, New fortuner, Endeavour, MU 7, Rexton, Pajero etc [I have doubts on Thar incase of side impact]

I have not studied IMDS & structural data of 2017 models of Ciaz, City, Ignis, Force One. Just and esc equipment would costs around 70K-2L depending on manufacturer and novelty. I don't think max % of people are willing to spend 1L-3L on a Car just because it has ESC. Since the majority dictates the market, manufacturers will comply to majority's wishes.

And in India most of accidents happen due to negligence and carelessness of drivers and incorrect layout of roads. Even if you add ESC for free, it wouldn't make much difference in statistics.

You are totally spot on and unbiased!!
The cars you mentioned have proven their worth and do feel better than the counterparts within the same companies itself!!

I dont think ESC , ABS etc will save anyone just like you said since most drivers dont know what high beams and low beams usage is or why to use indicators etc , I dont think they even know what these safety features are or how they are supposed to be worked
We can give someone a tank but it wont serve their purpose and wont guarantee safety of them or others on the road.

 

[iinfi]

I was pretty serious about safety and hence I went for Ford Figo based on past record of Ford Motors. I made a grave mistake of not waiting for the NCAP rating of the New next gen Figo. Was very disappointed after seeing the NCAP ratings.
I requested the company support for a explanation on why they have taken a step back on the structural stability, all they said was, they have all safety features in the car.

 

[vikyjoshi]

@AutoKrish,
By my knowledge, Hyundai uses same body structure with same material for i20, Verna, Elantra, Tucson, Sonata and Santa Fe for all of Asia (which includes russia). However cars like eon, i10 and creta uses lower standards when compared due to effective pricing of car just for India and few Asian markets.

In my opinion only safer cars in respective segment [Doesn't include luxury cars] -

Hatchback :
Polo, Punto series, i20 (new gen)

Sedans (compact,mid,sub compact etc.,) :
Linea, Verna(2013+), Sunny, Vento, Rapid(2016+), City (old gen), elantra, jetta, fluence, cruze, corolla, octavia etc

Suv & Muv :
S-Cross, Gurkha, Duster, Safari, Tucson, Innova Crysta, New fortuner, Endeavour, MU 7, Rexton, Pajero etc [I have doubts on Thar incase of side impact]

I have not studied IMDS & structural data of 2017 models of Ciaz, City, Ignis, Force One. Just and esc equipment would costs around 70K-2L depending on manufacturer and novelty. I don't think max % of people are willing to spend 1L-3L on a Car just because it has ESC. Since the majority dictates the market, manufacturers will comply to majority's wishes.

And in India most of accidents happen due to negligence and carelessness of drivers and incorrect layout of roads. Even if you add ESC for free, it wouldn't make much difference in statistics.

You could also include ZEST and BOLT. Both scoring a very respectable 4 start rating in GNCAP ratings.

 

[Akash1886]

It's a sad state that none of the best selling manufacturers from India cares to build safer cars ! If u want a safer car with safe structure and higher safety rating , show some braveness to choose the low selling cars like Etios,Zest,Polo,Punto etc.

If I take my own example, I have been really critical of Maruti's built quality and as an enthusiast to set a right example as a common buyer too, I went ahead for Tigor than Ciaz. The reason being I wanted to prove that not just 1 but there are many more capable brands existing in India who make equally good cars. I can live with a mediocre ICE but not without the safety features in a car. I stood against my family and my uncle while choosing the next car. I'll tell you, People in general would be more concerned about the Air Flow from Auto AC and the Display of Rear Camera rather than asking why the particular brand does not give safety features as standard across the model line up? We as enthusiasts evaluate the pros and cons in a balanced way but until the majority of buyers out there are properly informed about the importance of safety no one will ever go beyond MSIL or some more brands. For brands like TATA, VW & Ford to sell the products in India, it is nothing less than a "Agni Pariksha".

Also please note that none of the Suzuki cars Made in India has scored above 0 star in GlobalNCAP or EuroNCAP crash tests!

But still, those cars which scored 0 in crash tests, are top sellers in India. No one will question the 0 rating of a Swift or Celerio but if Tiago for example scores a Zero or the Figo gets a Zero, the internet will be flooded with hate comments from every corner. The 2 things due to which MSIL cars sell even after many faults are the Dated Fuel Efficient Engine and the wide service network. It is high time that people should see that there are much more important things in a car than a decent double digit km/L value.

If a manufacturer who sells 1.4 Million cars in India doesn't care for safety who else should care about it !

That is because of the blind trust of people in the brand. The badge value is more important than the actual worth of the product itself. People sadly opt for comfort over safety. They are open to having a malfunctioning horn but they can't live without a Bluetooth feature in ICE. As if many of them know what's its actual use.

I don't think max % of people are willing to spend 1L-3L on a Car just because it has ESC. Since the majority dictates the market, manufacturers will comply to majority's wishes.

Absolutely and this perception has to change as until then only enthusiasts will be criticizing worthless cars. For example, the non informed person buys Polo because it is popular with people for its looks and performance but a informed enthusiast buys a Polo because apart from looks and performance, it offers good safety too.

And in India most of accidents happen due to negligence and carelessness of drivers and incorrect layout of roads. Even if you add ESC for free, it wouldn't make much difference in statistics.

True and there are 2 reasons for it i.e. gaining a driving license by fraud and 2nd is, because majority of people don't know about the importance of safety and are ill-informed about the actual use of safety features in a car. They will know how to operate a Auto AC but ask them the full form of ABS, half of them will open Oxford Dictionary to see if there is actually something called as ABS. By giving a safety feature in a car, the brand make their products safe but there is no guarantee that the chap sitting on the driver's seat knows the car properly forget about the driving. Coming to poor roads, they are truly a hazard but its true, incompetent drivers add to the danger.

Regards

Akash

 

[krishna6239]

I made a grave mistake of not waiting for the NCAP rating of the New next gen Figo. Was very disappointed after seeing the NCAP ratings.

The greatest safety a car could have is "Driver and his skill". I have seen accidents where car cars like BMW, Mercs, Lambos, Mustangs, GTRs have been wrecked due to poor driving skill and I have also seen drivers of alto, i10 etc who have survived grave accident due to their skill & luck. Don't worry about safety of your car, be confident and know limits of the car and you'll be fine. Just keep watch on IVRM/OVRM to spot an over speeding idiot and just give him a way.

You could also include ZEST and BOLT. Both scoring a very respectable 4 start rating in GNCAP ratings.

4 star rating in global NCAP is for a reinforced variant of ZEST and BOLT. I don't know whether tata is selling the reinforced variant now or waiting till OCT-2017 to release it as 2018 variant, so I didn't include them in list.

the non informed person buys Polo because it is popular with people for its looks and performance but a informed enthusiast buys a Polo because apart from looks and performance, it offers good safety too.

The only reason people are still shying away from VW and TATA is due to their poor service reputation at start. Especially VW, in the city where I live VW service center is considered as a bad since it was surrounded by a lot of controversies. The minute they resolve issues in service center many more people will place them on top of their car shopping list.

I have seen a lot of negligence and over confidence in people since newer safety tech started to showing in cars. Most of time conversation will happen like this with a friend or acquaintance :

Me : Dude, wear seat belts.
Him : Dont worry, Car has Airbags
Me : Just wear seat belts
Him : Why ???
Me : I don't want your blood all over my shirt if something bad happens

Me : Why are you driving so rash ? This is a city limit and people could popup from anywhere suddenly.
Him : Don't worry. Car has ABS with EBD.
Me : So ?
Him : Car definitely slows down, doesn;t matter how fast I am travelling.
Me : You do know that ABS has a 45% failure rate at high speeds.
Him : Seriously ?? [Slows down with a shock]

Me : Hold steering with both hands. You are not Vin Diesel
Him : This car has an feature called "POWER STEERING". You know just one hand in enough to turn steering.
Me : Just hold steering in 10-2 or 9-3 position ?
Him : WTF is that ?
Me : Oh god, I'm lucky if make it home alive.

 

[Akash1886]

Most of time conversation will happen like this with a friend or acquaintance

Also, in case the seat belts are not worn, the airbags do not work as well in times of a crash. Seat Belts are to be worn as a principle irrespective whether the car has airbags or not.

Regards

Akash