In India, fuel efficiency has traditionally been the top priority for car buyers. However, in recent years, safety has become a growing concern for both consumers and car manufacturers alike. The Indian government has also taken proactive measures to prioritize car safety by mandating airbags and ABS in all cars since 2019. Moreover, the government has announced its intention to introduce more safety regulations in 2023 to improve road safety in India.
Car manufacturers have responded by producing cars that adhere to international safety standards, which is a positive development. As a result, the market now offers safer cars that have received favorable Global NCAP safety ratings. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the safest cars in India and their corresponding safety ratings from Global NCAP.
Best safest cars in India rated by Global NCAP
| List of the Cars | Adult Safety Rating | Child Safety Rating | Offical Price |
| Volkswagen Virtus | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ₹ 11 47 900 – ₹ 18 56 900 |
| Skoda Slavia | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ₹ 11 39 000 – ₹ 18 67 999 |
| Volkswagen Taigun | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ₹ 11 61 900 – ₹ 19 05 900 |
| Skoda Kushaq | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ₹ 11 59 000 – ₹ 19 19 000 |
| Mahindra Scorpio N | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ₹ 13 05 500 – ₹ 20 20 500 |
| Tata Punch | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ₹ 5 99 900 – ₹ 8 46 900 |
| Mahindra XUV700 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ₹ 14 00 801 – ₹ 26 18 399 |
| Honda City (4th Gen) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ₹ 8 77 500 – ₹ 14 31 900 |
| Renault Triber | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ₹ 6 33 500 – ₹ 8 97 500 |
| Tata Tigor EV | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ₹ 12 49 500 – ₹ 13 75 000 |
#1 Volkswagen Virtus—
The Volkswagen Virtus: Beauty and Safety Combined in the Top Spot of the Safest Cars List. The Volkswagen Virtus takes the top spot on the safest cars list, thanks to its combination of striking beauty and top-notch safety features. This German midsize sedan boasts a 5-star rating from GNCAP for both adult and child safety and is the first in its class to earn such a high rating under GNCAP’s rigorous new testing protocols.
The Virtus comes with a range of standard safety features, including dual airbags, ABS with EBD, multi-collision braking, electronic differential lock, tire pressure monitor, rear parking sensors, and rear defoggers. Higher-end models offer even more protection with up to six airbags and hill start assist.
Under the hood, the Volkswagen Virtus offers a choice of two engines: a 1-liter turbo petrol engine and a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine. The car also comes with a choice of transmissions, including a 6-speed manual gearbox, a 6-speed torque converter automatic, and a 7-speed DCT automatic. With fuel efficiency ranging from 18.12 to 19.40 km, the Virtus is both powerful and economical.
Other key features of the Volkswagen Virtus include its comfortable seating for up to five passengers, mid-size sedan body type, ventilated front seats, digital instrument cluster, and sunroof. With all of these features combined, the Volkswagen Virtus is the ultimate choice for those seeking both beauty and safety in their next car.
#2 Skoda Slavia—
The Skoda Slavia: A Safe and Feature-Packed Sedan Tested by GNCAP The Skoda Slavia, which shares a platform with the Volkswagen Virtus, has earned an impressive 5-star safety rating from GNCAP for both adult and child occupancy. This makes it an incredibly safe car to travel in, thanks to its robust build quality and standard safety features that include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC with traction control, multi-collision braking, rear parking sensors, and a tire pressure monitor.
In addition to its safety features, the Skoda Slavia boasts a range of impressive specifications and key features. Available in both 1-liter and 1.5-liter turbo petrol engines, it comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed torque converter automatic, and 7-speed DCT automatic transmission. Its mileage ranges between 18.07-19.47 kmpl, and it can seat up to 5 people comfortably.
Other notable features of the Skoda Slavia include its ventilated front seats, cruise control, and wireless charger. The higher variants of the Slavia also offer up to 6 airbags and hill start assist for an added layer of safety.
Overall, the Skoda Slavia is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a mid-size sedan that prioritizes safety and comes packed with features.
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#3 Volkswagen Taigun—
The Volkswagen Taigun has firmly established its position as one of the safest cars on the List, thanks to its top-of-the-line bodyshell which serves as the primary layer of safety. With a 5-star rating for both adult and child safety, this German mid-size SUV has proven its mettle and secured a spot on the coveted list of the safest cars in the country. The Volkswagen Taigun’s body is built on the MQB A0-IN platform and is the first car to be tested under Global NCAP’s new protocols, which include additional side impact tests for the car.
But the Volkswagen Taigun’s commitment to safety doesn’t end there. In addition to its 5-star G-NCAP rating, the car comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features such as up to 6 airbags, ESC, traction control, TPMS, and a rear camera. These features take the Taigun’s safety to the next level and ensure that occupants are well-protected in the event of a collision.
What’s more, the Volkswagen Taigun’s 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine comes with cylinder deactivation technology, which not only reduces its carbon footprint but also improves its mileage. This makes the car not only safe but also eco-friendly and cost-efficient.
When it comes to specifications and key features, the Volkswagen Taigun doesn’t disappoint. It boasts of 1-liter turbo petrol and a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine, available with a 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed torque converter automatic, and 7-speed DCT automatic transmission options. With a mileage of 17-20 kmpl, the car can seat up to 5 people comfortably and comes with a mid-size SUV body type.
The Taigun’s luxurious interior features also add to its appeal, including ventilated front seats, a single-pane sunroof, and automatic climate control. All in all, the Volkswagen Taigun is a powerful and stylish car that doesn’t compromise on safety, making it a top choice for anyone in the market for a new vehicle.
#4 Skoda Kushaq—
The Skoda Kushaq is a midsize SUV that boasts an impressive 5-star safety rating in adult and child occupancy, just like its sibling the Taigun. Based on the MQB A0-IN platform, the Kushaq has a more aggressive design that appeals to those who prefer a macho look.
In addition to its structural strength, this German Creta-rival comes equipped with advanced safety features, such as up to 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, multi-collision braking, and electronic differential lock, further accentuating its safety credentials. The Skoda Kushaq is powered by a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine that features cylinder deactivation technology, reducing emissions and increasing fuel efficiency.
Let’s take a closer look at Skoda Kushaq’s specifications and key features. The SUV comes in two engine variants: a 1-liter turbo petrol and a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine. The transmission options include a 6-speed manual gearbox, a 6-speed torque converter automatic, and a 7-speed DCT automatic. The Kushaq delivers a mileage of 17-19 kmpl, making it fuel-efficient for a midsize SUV.
The SUV has 2 airbags as standard and up to 6 airbags in higher variants. The Skoda Kushaq seats up to 5 passengers and has a mid-size SUV body type. Other notable features include ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, and automatic climate control. With its impressive safety rating and advanced features, the Skoda Kushaq is a top contender for those seeking a safe and reliable midsize SUV in India.
#5 Mahindra Scorpio N—
The Mahindra Scorpio N: One of India’s Safest and Most Spacious SUVs for 2023. Boasting a remarkable safety rating, the Mahindra Scorpio N has solidified its place as one of the safest cars on the List. With a 5-star adult occupant safety score and a 3-star child occupant safety score, the 7-seater SUV is among the top 3 cars in India to be tested under Global NCAP’s new protocols.
The Mahindra Scorpio N is not only safe but also spacious, offering more room than the Toyota Fortuner, which comes at a considerably higher price point. The car is equipped with advanced safety features such as ABS with EBD, hill-assist control, tire pressure monitoring system, and electronic stability control, with up to six airbags available in higher variants.
In addition to its impressive safety features, the Mahindra Scorpio N is a popular choice for off-roading enthusiasts. The car also comes with an optional four-wheel-drive drivetrain in higher variants, adding to its off-road capabilities.
The Mahindra Scorpio N is powered by a 2-liter turbo petrol or 2.2-liter diesel engine, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic in optional all-wheel-drive. It offers an impressive mileage of 15 kmpl for petrol and 16.5 kmpl for diesel.
Other notable features of the Mahindra Scorpio N include its dual-zone climate control, single-pane sunroof, and 6-way powered driver seat. With its combination of safety, space, and performance, the Mahindra Scorpio N is a top choice for SUV buyers in India.
#6 Tata Punch—
The highly anticipated Tata Punch Micro-SUV HBX concept has finally been brought to life, boasting a small, nimble, and agile design while remaining incredibly safe. The Punch, as its name suggests, is a true powerhouse built on the reliable platform of the Tata Altroz, providing unparalleled safety features such as ABS, EBD, dual airbags, and brake sway control.
What sets the AMT variants of the Punch apart from other vehicles is the unique Traction Pro Mode that assists with driving on difficult terrain. The Punch is equipped with a 1.2-liter petrol engine, providing a mileage of 18.97 km/l, and is available in both a 5-speed manual gearbox and 5-speed AMT transmission.
With a seating capacity of 5 and a compact SUV body type, the Punch offers a perfect balance of size and practicality. It also features a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and cutting-edge connected car technology.
In summary, the Tata Punch is a safe, powerful, and compact SUV that provides the perfect combination of agility, practicality, and modern features. Its superior safety features and unique driving modes make it an excellent choice for those seeking adventure on unruly surfaces.
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#7 Mahindra XUV700—
The Mahindra XUV700 made waves upon its launch, and it’s easy to see why. With a design that rivals offerings from Korean and European car makers, this luxurious SUV is truly palatial. But it’s not just about looks. The XUV700 also boasts advanced safety features, including the distinction of being the first made-in-India SUV to feature an Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS).
The ADAS uses a wide network of sensors and onboard computers to monitor the surroundings, helping to keep the car under control and prevent accidents. And with standard dual airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System with EBD, and Electronic Stability Program, the XUV700 has earned a 5-star safety rating in the GNCAP. Higher variants also offer up to 7 airbags for even more protection.
But safety isn’t the only thing the Mahindra XUV700 has going for it. The SUV comes in both 2-liter turbo petrol and 2.2-liter diesel engine options, with a 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed torque converter automatic (optional all-wheel-drive) transmission. It’s also fuel-efficient, with a mileage of 13-14 kmpl for petrol and 13.5-14.8 km/l for diesel.
With seating for 5 or 7 passengers and a mid-size SUV body type, the XUV700 provides ample space for both passengers and cargo. And for added luxury, it also comes with a panoramic sunroof, 12-speaker Sony sound system, and a 6-way powered driver seat.
Overall, the Mahindra XUV700 is an impressive SUV that combines style, safety, and power. It’s a top choice for anyone looking for a high-end SUV in India.
#8 Honda City (4th Gen)—
The driver and passenger head and neck protection was rated good in the crash test, while the driver’s chest showed marginal protection, and the passenger’s chest showed adequate protection. Both the driver’s and passenger’s knees received marginal protection, as they could potentially impact dangerous structures behind the dashboard, supported by the Tranfascia tube. However, the driver’s tibias were rated as offering adequate and good protection, while the passenger’s tibias offered adequate protection.
The bodyshell was deemed unstable and incapable of withstanding further loadings, and the footwell area was also rated as unstable. Standard SBR was provided for the driver and passenger. As a result, the adult occupant protection was given a four-star rating.
When it comes to child occupant protection, the 3-year-old child seat was installed forward-facing using the ISOFIX connectors and support leg, providing good protection to the head and chest and limited protection to the neck. It was also able to prevent excessive forward movement.
The 1.5-year-old child seat was installed rearward-facing with the ISOFIX connectors and support leg and provided good protection to the chest and head. CRS marking was permanent, and the recommended CRSs did not show incompatibility. The vehicle offers a lap belt in the rear center position, as well as ISOFIX anchorages. These features contributed to the car receiving a four-star rating for child occupant protection.
Overall, the car’s safety rating was four stars for both adult and child occupant protection. While there were some areas for improvement in terms of adult occupant protection, child occupant protection was rated highly, providing peace of mind for families on the road.
#9 Renault Triber—
During the crash test, the driver and passenger heads and necks were well-protected, with good results. However, the driver’s chest showed marginal protection, while the passenger’s chest was adequately protected. The driver’s knees exhibited only marginal protection during the crash test due to the possibility of them colliding with hazardous structures located behind the dashboard and supported by the Tranfascia tube. In contrast, the passenger’s knees received good protection.
Despite receiving a stable rating for its footwell area, the car’s bodyshell was deemed unstable and unable to endure additional loadings. The car offers standard SBR for driver and passenger, which helped earn a four-star rating for adult occupant protection.
When it comes to child occupant protection, the 3-year-old child seat was installed FWF with the adult seatbelt and was not able to prevent excessive forward movement during the impact. During the crash, the chest protection was deemed to be of average level, while the head protection was inadequate as it was exposed and vulnerable to impact. On the other hand, the 18-month-old CRS was installed with the adult seatbelt rearward-facing, offering full protection to the child occupant.
CRS marking was permanent, and the recommended CRSs did not show incompatibility. The vehicle offers a lap belt in the rear center position, but the car does not offer ISOFIX anchorages. Overall, these factors contributed to a three-star rating for child occupant protection.
The crash test analysis showed that the car provided decent protection to adult occupants, but there were some areas of concern that need improvement. When it comes to child occupant protection, the car’s performance was average, with some shortcomings in the 3-year-old child seat installation. These findings can help car manufacturers improve safety features to ensure better occupant protection.
#10 Tata Tigor EV—
During the crash test, the driver’s head was well protected while the passenger’s head had adequate protection. Both front passengers’ necks showed good protection. The driver’s chest had adequate protection while the passenger’s chest showed good protection. While the driver and passenger tibias showed good protection, their knees received marginal protection as they could potentially make contact with dangerous structures located behind the dashboard supported by the Tranfascia tube.
Additionally, the bodyshell was deemed unstable and incapable of handling further loading during the crash test. The footwell area was rated as unstable. The car comes with standard SBR for driver and passenger, contributing to a four-star adult occupant protection rating.
The 3-year-old and 1.5-year-old child seats were installed rearward-facing (RWF) with the adult seatbelt, and they were able to prevent excessive forward movement during the impact. Both chest and head protection were good, and the CRS marking was permanent.
The recommended CRSs did not show any incompatibility, and the vehicle offers a lap belt in the rear center position. However, the car does not provide ISOFIX anchorages. All of these factors explained the four-star rating for child occupant protection.