Global NCAP's very first independent test of India's most popular small cars has been published. The cars tested included the Suzuki-Maruti Alto 800, Tata Nano, Ford Figo, Hyundai i10 and Volkswagen Polo. In each case, the entry level model was chosen because it was manufactured without airbags for the Indian market. Tested at 64km/h, all cars were awarded a shocking zero-star for adult protection.
The tests revealed that vehicle structures of the Alto 800, Nano and i10 collapsed with a high-risk of life-threatening injuries for occupants. Worse still, the tests suggested that the fitting of airbags would not be effective in reducing serious injury. Global NCAP says the combined sales of these vehicles amount to around 20% of new cars sold in India in 2013.
Commenting on the findings, Max Mosley, Chairman of Global NCAP said: "India is now a major global market and production centre for small cars, so it's worrying to see levels of safety that are 20 years behind the five-star standards now common in Europe and North America."
Of all the cars tested, only the structures of the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Figo remained intact. We have learnt this week that Volkswagen has withdrawn the non-airbag base model of the Polo from the Indian market. Global NCAP has agreed with Volkswagen that it can re-test its Polo model with two airbags, which will be fitted as standard for the Indian market from now on.
Anything else?
The news does not improve either for the same cars under the UN's basic crash test. One again, Global NCAP tested the original, non-airbag models - only this time against the UN's test, which is used in the EU, China, Japan, Malaysia and Australia. Only the Ford Figo passed the 40% offset frontal impact test at 56km/h. Commenting further, Max Mosley said "Poor structural integrity and the absence of airbags are putting the lives of Indian consumers at risk. They have a right to know how safe their vehicles are and to expect the same basic levels of safety as standard as customers in other parts of the world."
Please note that the models mentioned are not the same as those sold in Ireland.