KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Starting October 1st, 2023, India will implement the Bharat NCAP crash test ratings
- Vehicles with 3 stars and above will undergo a pole impact test at 29 km/hr.
- Cars tested under Bharat NCAP will display a sticker indicating their adult and child safety ratings
Passenger safety is a key concern for car buyers, making safety ratings crucial. Previously, Global NCAP awarded crash-test ratings to Indian-made cars through 'Safer Cars For India'. However, a new development now allows cars sold in India to undergo crash testing within the country itself to receive safety ratings. Learn more about this significant development. Meanwhile, you can join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Group for all of such latest updates from the automotive industry.
Also Read: 2023 Kia Sonet Facelift Test Mule Spotted Again - See Images!
Exploring The "Bharat NCAP Crash Test" - Similarities with Global NCAP
Let's begin by comprehending the commonalities shared between the parameters and evaluations of Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP. Both tests yield identical scores and star ratings, ranging from one to five. Below, you'll find a simplified table outlining these resemblances.
| Test Type | Test Parameters and Assessments |
|---|---|
| Frontal Impact | - Conducted at 64 kmph - Evaluates impact on head, neck, chest, pelvis, and knee regions |
| Side Pole Impact | - Conducted at 29 kmph - Requires the car to be equipped with six airbags for successful passage |
| Side Barrier | - Conducted at 50 kmph - Evaluates damage to passengers seated in the car after a barrier impact |
| Electronic Stability Control | - Cars must be equipped with ESC as standard - Active safety feature that prevents skidding of tires |
| Pedestrian Compliant Front Design | - Mandates pedestrian-friendly bumper and bonnet design - Aims to minimize pedestrian injury in case of an accident |
| Structural Integrity | - Considered in safety assessment - Evaluates the car's ability to maintain its structure and protect passengers in the event of a crash |
| Safety Assist Technologies | - Considered in safety assessment - Includes features like ESC and other advanced safety systems to assist the driver |
| Minimum Requirements for 3-Star Rating | - Six airbags - Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Front-row seat belt reminders - Missing any of these can result in a points deduction |
| Test Speeds | - Frontal Impact: 64 kmph - Side Pole Impact: 29 kmph - Side Barrier: 50 kmph |
Similar star rating
| Star Rating | Adult Occupants Protection Score | Child Occupants Protection Score |
| 5 stars | 27 | 41 |
| 4 stars | 22 | 35 |
| 3 stars | 16 | 27 |
| 2 stars | 10 | 18 |
Also Read: Tata Nexon Facelift Spotted At Dealer in White Shade See Images!
Bharat NCAP Vs. Global NCAP - What Sets Them Apart
As Global NCAP stands ahead of the recently introduced Bharat NCAP, certain safety aspects remain unaccounted for in the latter. One notable omission is the requirement for rear seat belt reminders, which is essential for attaining higher safety ratings. Responding to this, several manufacturers have incorporated this feature into their vehicles, as stated by Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for the Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways.
While the testing principles largely align with global NCAP guidelines, Bharat NCAP takes into consideration the specific conditions of Indian roadways and driving practices. Cars subjected to Bharat NCAP assessments will exhibit stickers indicating their adult and child safety ratings, along with details such as the model, variant name, and test year. This labeling is expected to extend even to vehicles scoring below four stars in BNCAP evaluations.
The crash test agency intends to introduce a rear crash impact protection test and mandatory evaluation of specific Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features, including lane departure warning, brake assist, and autonomous emergency braking.
Also Read: Citroen India Partners With Introduces Usage-Based Insurance For EC3 Customers
Crash Test Rating Procedure of Bharat NCAP
Starting from October 1, 2023, India will implement the Bharat NCAP crash test ratings. The outlined testing criteria and corresponding rating stars have been detailed in the preceding table. The basic qualifications for vehicles encompass a passenger capacity of a maximum of 8 individuals, a gross weight under 3.5 tonnes, and either being manufactured within India or imported for retail. Additionally, BNCAP's evaluation will extend to CNG and electric vehicles.
Outlined below is the Crash Test Rating Procedure:
- The car manufacturer is required to submit its vehicle for crash testing.
- Officials from Bharat NCAP will visit the manufacturer's stockyard to randomly select a vehicle (limited to the base variant).
- The chosen vehicle will be transported by the manufacturer to BNCAP's testing facility.
- The crash test process will be overseen by representatives from both the manufacturer and BNCAP officials.
- The test outcomes will be compiled and shared with the car manufacturer.
- Following approval from BNCAP officials, the ratings will be made public, and the certification will be provided by the Central Institute of Road Transport.
Verdict
While resembling Global NCAP, Bharat NCAP also adapts to India's driving conditions. Around 30 cars have been submitted to Bharat NCAP for crash testing, and the Tata Safari is anticipated to be among them Notably, rear seat belt reminders are a key feature lacking in the current system. but this step ensures safer roads and encourages better safety features.
Also Read: Renault Expands With Five New Dealerships And Workshops In A Week
