Three new four-wheelers bring shame to India in Global NCAP tests: From Datsun redi-Go to Maruti WagonR
The previous crash tests conducted by Global NCAP proved to be quite good, for the fact that cars like Tata Nexon and Mahindra Marazzo came out with flying colours in the form of great safety ratings. However, the latest crash tests by Global NCAP haven’t yielded great results for three entry-level compact hatchbacks – the Datsun redi-Go, Hyundai Santro and the Maruti WagonR.
Datsun redi-Go
Being in not so good times ever since its inception here in India, Datsun has found another worrisome situation with the latest crash test ratings for its most affordable and smallest car here in India, the redi-Go. The entry-level hatchback has scored a poor 1-star/2-star rating in the crash tests conducted by Global NCAP.
The Datsun redi-Go scored 8.3 out of 17 and secured a 1-star rating in adult occupant protection. For adults, while the head and neck protection were considered as good, the same was not adjudged for the driver’s chest area. The body shell, as well as footwell area of the Datsun redi-Go, proved to be unstable at the time of the crash.
In child occupant protection, the Datsun redi-Go was given a 2-star rating (15.63 out of 49), for the 3-year old and 18-month old dummies’ heads got serious impacts owing to weak protection offered by static reel seat belts. The absence of a three-point seat belt in the middle of the rear seat and ISOFIX mounts for child seats made the matters even worse.
The variant of the Datsun redi-Go chosen for the crash test was the entry-level D variant, which misses out on basic amenities like power steering, front power windows and AC. However, as per the compulsory AIS-145 norms, this variant is equipped with all the essentials like a driver-side airbag, ABS, EBD, speed alert system, seat belt reminders for both the front seats and reverse parking sensors.
The facelifted Datsun redi-Go, which is expected to arrive by March 2020, will try to change the things for good. It might come with structural changes, which will be in line with India’s latest crash test conditions. For now, the Datsun redi-Go is available with the choices of 0.8-litre and 1.0-litre petrol engines, with the latter available with an optional AMT gearbox as well. Prices of the Datsun redi-Go start at INR 2.8 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Hyundai Santro
After a long gap of almost half a decade, the Hyundai Santro made a grand comeback in the Indian car market, with the promise of garnering more volumes for Hyundai in the entry-level hatchback category. The Hyundai Santro has proved to be a great package in terms of space and features on offer. However, the latest crash tests conducted by Global NCAP has shown a worrisome side of the Santro, as it has scored a meagre 2-star rating in it.
The most affordable car from Hyundai has been given a 2-star rating in case of adult occupant protection, with the car scoring 6.74 out of 17 points. While the hatchback showcased good results for head and neck protection, the chest protection proved to be weak for driver and marginal for the front passenger. The body shell, as well as footwell area of the Hyundai Santro, have been termed as unstable.
In child occupant protection, the Hyundai Santro scored a 2-star rating, with 15 out of 49 points. The head and chest protection for 3-year old and 18-month old dummies proved to be poor and acceptable respectively. The Hyundai Santro misses out on ISOFIX mounts for child seats, which is the reason why it scored poorly on the front of protection provided by child restraint system.
The base variant of the Hyundai Santro on which the tests were conducted, Era Executive, has been equipped with a driver-side airbag, ABS, EBD, driver side seat belt reminder and rear parking sensors. Available with a 1.1-litre petrol engine, the Hyundai Santro has a starting price of INR 4.3 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Maruti WagonR
The all-new generation model of the Maruti WagonR might have uplifted its sales and brought it back in the game by making it one of the highest selling cars in the Indian car market. However, while the WagonR scores brilliantly when it comes to space and fuel efficiency, the latest crash tests conducted by Global NCAP have given it a rather poor 2-star rating.
In adult occupant protection, the Maruti WagonR has been given a 2-star rating, with the hatchback scoring 6.93 points out of 17. The boxy styling of the WagonR was always perceived to be not so great when it comes to driving dynamics, and this time, the integral structure of the car has been proved unstable, along with the footwell, in case of a crash. While the head and neck protection levels are good, the same cannot be said about the chest and leg protection.
In child occupant protection, too, the Maruti WagonR has secured a poor 2-star rating with the car securing 16.93 points out of 49. During the impact, the child restraint system of the WagonR broke, which resulted in the head of the 3-year old child’s dummy hitting the front seat. Also, for the 18-month old child’s dummy, the chest protection has been termed ‘vulnerable ‘, for the car misses out on ISOFIX mounts for child seats and three-point seat belt for the middle passenger at the rear.
The base LXI variant of the Maruti WagonR, though, complies with Indian crash test norms, as the car is fitted with driver-side airbag, ABS with EBD, speed alert system, seat belt reminder for front seats and rear parking sensors. Available with the options of both 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines, both of which are offered with manual and AMT gearboxes, the Maruti WagonR has a starting price of INR 4.34 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).