Bharat NCAP, India’s indigenous crash safety assessment program, has commenced its crash tests, shedding light on the safety features of some of the market’s key vehicles. One particularly intriguing revelation involves Tata Motors’ Punch, which, in recent crash test images, showcased the inclusion of curtain airbags, hinting at a potential upgrade to six airbags for enhanced safety measures.
The Tata Punch had previously secured an impressive five-star rating in the Global NCAP crash tests under the older testing protocols. It excelled in adult protection, scoring 16.45 out of 17, and in child protection, achieving 40.89 out of 49 points. This acclaim positioned the Punch as the most affordable vehicle in the market to attain such a stellar safety rating.
Presently, the Punch comes equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounts for securing child seats, and rear parking sensors along with a parking camera. However, the addition of curtain airbags, potentially resulting in a total of six airbags, could further fortify its safety profile, aligning it more closely with rivals like the Hyundai Exter, which boasts a standard configuration of six airbags.
The Bharat NCAP’s testing regimen mirrors Global NCAP’s criteria, evaluating three units of the base variant of the nominated model. This rigorous assessment underscores the commitment to enhancing safety standards in Indian automobiles and promoting road safety.
Moreover, alongside the Tata Punch, the Bharat NCAP website also features images of the Kia Sonet undergoing crash tests. While these tests have been conducted, the detailed crash test scores for both the Sonet and the Tata Punch are eagerly awaited.
This development marks a significant stride in the quest to reduce road accidents and enhance car safety in India. The potential introduction of a six-airbag configuration in the Tata Punch heralds a promising future for vehicles in the Indian automotive landscape, emphasizing safety as a paramount concern.
Stay tuned for the imminent release of the crash test scores by Bharat NCAP, which will offer comprehensive insights into the safety performances of these popular models, aiding consumers in making informed choices for safer travels on Indian roads.
