Top 5 highest rated cars, SUVs in new GNCAP crash tests

Volkswagen Virtus/Skoda Slavia - 29.71 points (5 stars)

Much like their SUVs siblings, the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia also scored a 5-star safety rating. However, as a result of a higher adult occupant rating, the sedans rank higher on our list. The midsize sedans scored 29.71 points out of a total of 34 in adult occupant protection tests, including 14.2 points out of a possible 17 in the side impact test with a deformable barrier. Furthermore, in the side pole impact tests, they both received an ‘OK’ rating. However, unlike the SUVs, the sedans passed both the UN 127 and GTR9 pedestrian safety norms.

The Slavia and Virtus also aced the child occupant protection tests as they received 42 points out of a total of 49, earning a 5-star rating. GNCAP’s report also mentioned that the bodyshell and the footwell area of the Slavia and Virtus were stable and capable of withstanding further loadings. Both sedans pack in standard safety kit like dual airbags, ESC, traction control and ISOFIX child seat mounts.

Volkswagen Taigun/Skoda Kushaq - 29.64 points (5 stars)

Being built on the same platform, these midsize SUVs from Volkswagen and Skoda have identical scores. The Kushaq and Taigun were the first cars to be tested under the updated testing protocol and they received a 5-star rating, scoring 29.64 points in the adult occupant protection test out of 34. Global NCAP used a two-airbag version of the two SUVs, while a six-airbag version was used for the side pole impact test. In the former, the two scored 14.5 points out of a possible 17, while they received an ‘OK’ rating for the latter. Both SUVs also met the UN 127 pedestrian safety norms, but not the GTR9 norms.

Additionally, they also achieved a 5-star rating in the child occupant protection test, scoring 42 points out of 49. The testers also rated the bodyshell of the SUVs as stable and capable of withstanding further loadings. Standard safety kit on both includes dual airbags, ESC, traction control and ISOFIX child seat mounts.

Mahindra Scorpio N- 29.25 points (5 stars)

Mahindra’s Scorpio N SUV scored an impressive 29.25 points out of 34 in adult occupant protection tests, resulting in its 5-star rating. Furthermore, in the side impact test with a deformable barrier, the Scorpio N had good protection with a score of 16 points out of 17 and it received an ‘OK’ rating for the side pole impact tests. Meanwhile, in the child occupant protection tests, the Scorpio N scored 28.93 points out of 49, earning a 3-star rating.

Global NCAP mentioned that the bodyshell and the footwell area of the Scorpio N were stable and capable of withstanding further loadings. The Scorpio N also met the new pedestrian safety requirements. As for standard safety features, the Scorpio N packs in two airbags, seatbelt reminders and ESC (optional on the Z2 and Z4 trims, standard on others).

Maruti Suzuki Alto K 10 - 21.67 points (2 stars)

Despite being its smallest model, the Alto K10 is the highest scoring Maruti model in this list. The Alto K10 scored 21.67 points out of a possible 34 points in the adult occupant protection tests and secured a 2-star rating. It scored 12.4 out of 17 points in the side deformable barrier test. Global NCAP noted that the bodyshell was stable, and capable of withstanding further loadings, although the footwell area was rated unstable. However, the K10, like other Marutis here, doesn’t offer curtain airbags, and hence, it wasn’t subjected to the side pole impact test and it didn’t comply with the new pedestrian safety norms either.

As far as child occupant protection is concerned, the Alto K10 secured just 3.52 points out of a possible 49 for a zero-star rating. Standard safety features on the Alto K10 include dual airbags and seat belt reminders.

Maruti Suzuki S Presso - 20.03 points (1 star)

Like the Wagon R, Swift and Ignis, Maruti’s S Presso too only managed a 1 star for adult occupant protection, scoring 20.03 points out of a maximum of 34. In the side deformable crash test, it managed to score 11.9 points out of a possible 17. However, it was not subjected to the pole-impact test, since it did not have any form of side head protection, even as an option. For child occupant protection, it was awarded just 3.52 points out of a possible 49 (zero stars).

The testers also mentioned that the S Presso’s bodyshell was unstable and not capable of withstanding further loadings. The S Presso comes standard with dual airbags and seat belt reminders, while ESC is reserved for the AMT variants.