The Hyundai Verna sedan has emerged as the latest “Made-in-India” car to achieve a prestigious 5-star Global NCAP rating, signaling a significant leap forward in adult and child occupant safety. This accolade underscores the commitment to safety in the Indian automotive industry and arrives as part of the ongoing #SaferCarsForIndia campaign.
Setting the Safety Standard
The #SaferCarsForIndia campaign, aimed at promoting vehicular safety, has brought about voluntary tests that lead up to Bharat NCAP’s activation later this year. These tests, conducted by Global NCAP, subject vehicles to rigorous crash test protocols evaluating frontal and side impact protection, along with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). In addition, vehicles seeking the highest star ratings must pass assessments for pedestrian protection and side impact pole protection.
Hyundai Verna’s Triumph
The Hyundai Verna, in its most basic passive safety specification, equipped with 6 airbags and ESC as standard, underwent the stringent tests. Impressively, it secured a coveted five-star rating for both adult and child occupants, signifying its commitment to safety. However, it’s worth noting that the structure exhibited some instability. Furthermore, after the side impact test, a Child Restraint System (CRS) failure was observed. It’s important to mention that this was identified as an isolated incident by the CRS manufacturer. To verify the claim, Global NCAP conducted a subsequent high-energy side impact test, which demonstrated that the CRS showed no further signs of failure.
David Ward’s Perspective
David Ward, President of the Towards Zero Foundation, expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing #SaferCarsForIndia campaign. He highlighted the continued trend of five-star safety performance, exemplified by the Hyundai Verna. Ward emphasized the significance of maintaining this momentum in enhancing safety standards in the Indian automotive sector. He also anticipated with great interest the performance of other #SaferCarsForIndia models in upcoming crash tests before Bharat NCAP commences its own testing later this year.
In summary, the Hyundai Verna’s attainment of a 5-star Global NCAP rating is a notable milestone for Indian-made cars, reinforcing the importance of safety in the automotive industry. As the #SaferCarsForIndia campaign nears its conclusion, it sets a promising precedent for the safety of vehicles on Indian roads, with the potential to significantly enhance occupant safety across the industry.
