India is the 6th largest automotive market in the world. Our country also features one of the world’s largest road networks. But apparently, we are also home to some of the most unsafe cars in the world, according to the latest NCAP crash test ratings.

With numerous cars being launched every quarter, it’s high time our government fastens the process of getting a set of strict and uncompromising safety norms. NCAP stands for New Car Assessment Program and was established in 1979 by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They’re considered the worldwide authority in crash testing and road safety.

Here’s a video of the latest NCAP crash test for a Renault Duster

According to the latest NCAP, here are the crash test ratings of some of the hottest-selling cars in the Indian market:

1. Renault Duster (without airbags)

The Renault Duster is one of the top selling mid-size SUVs in the country but it has received a zero star rating in the AOP (Adult Occupation Protection) category and two stars for Child Restraints. 

“It is troubling that during the UN Road Safety Week, we yet again encounter a zero-star car in our crash testing in India. Renault produces the Duster in a number of markets and yet it seems content to provide a version for India which falls so far short on safety,” said David Ward, secretary general of Global NCAP.

2. Renault Duster (with driver-side airbag)

The made-in-India Renault Duster, which comes with the driver side airbag, received a three star rating in the AOP (Adult Occupation Protection) category and two stars for Child Restraints.

A three-star rating denotes that the risk of fatalities is significantly low, but the occupants are likely to suffer injuries that are not life-threatening.

3. Chevrolet Enjoy

Majorly used as a cab across the country, the Chevrolet Enjoy received a zero star in the AOP (Adult Occupation Protection) category and two stars for Child Restraints.

4. Ford Aspire

The next gen Figo on sale falls under the category of relatively safe cars within the ten lakh bracket. It received three stars in the AOP (Adult Occupation Protection) category and two stars for Child Restraints. 

A number of cars – especially ones in the passenger vehicle category – were tested last year. Here’s a report published by the Global NCAP.

5. Tata Zest

Tata’s hot-selling Indigo CS was replaced by this modern-looking sedan. In the crash test conducted last year, the model with 2 airbags received four stars in the AOP (Adult Occupation Protection) category and two stars for Child Restraints

However, the model with no airbags received zero stars in the AOP (Adult Occupation Protection) category and one star for Child Restraints. 

 6. Hyundai Eon

Hyundai’s product to ace up the small car game in India received zero stars in the AOP (Adult Occupation Protection) category and two stars for Child Restraints.

 7. Suzuki Maruti Eeco

Used as cabs and for transportation across the country, the Eeco received zero stars in the AOP (Adult Occupation Protection) category and two stars for Child Restraints.

With the #SaferCarsForIndia initiative, Global NCAP urges safer cars in India. The complete results of the crash tests on cars running on Indian roads can be seen on Global NCAP website.

The Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program (BNVSAP) is all set to start its operations from October 2017 and it’s high time the government brings it to life, considering the increasing number of vehicles and road accidents every year. These tests will be in line with those being conducted by the Global NCAP as well. All new cars launched after 1 October must meet the new BNVSAP norms, while existing vehicles in the market have until 2019 to comply with the new norms.

This explains why none of the Fast and Furious movies are shot in India.