#bharatncap

[businessapac]

The Renault Duster Just Got a 5-Star Safety Rating in India and It's Genuinely a Big Deal

Okay so if you follow Indian cars even a little bit, you probably remember the old Duster. Built like a tank for Indian roads, loved for its suspension and off-road capability, affordable — but the safety ratings? Not great. Lower-spec models often came without basic airbags. Crash tests in global markets were embarrassing at times.

That era is officially over.

In April 2026, the new Renault Duster became the first Renault car in India to earn a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. Business APAC just published the full breakdown of what happened, how the tests were scored, and what it means for buyers — and it is genuinely worth reading if you are in the market for a mid-size SUV.

Here's what the 5 stars actually means.

Bharat NCAP is India's own car safety assessment programme that tests vehicles in frontal, side, and pole impact scenarios as well as pedestrian protection. The 2026 Duster scored 5 stars for Adult Occupant Protection and 5 stars for Child Safety. That is a clean sweep. It is now the 31st car in India to achieve a full 5-star result under BNCAP protocols — and the first ever Renault to do so in the Indian market.

What made the difference was not one thing but a package. Six airbags standard across every single variant — not just the top spec. Electronic Stability Control to help you stay in your lane during emergency swerves or on slippery roads. ISOFIX child seat mounts. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist on higher trims. And a front-end design engineered to reduce injury to pedestrians if there is a collision.

The thing that really stands out here is the word "standard." All of these features across all variants. The old complaint about Indian car buyers getting stripped-down safety equipment on base models does not apply here. You buy any Duster in 2026 and you get the 5-star safety package.

On pricing — the entry level starts at around Rs. 10.49 lakh and the top model with 4x4 and full ADAS is priced at approximately Rs. 19.50 lakh. There is also a strong-hybrid variant in the lineup which is a first for this nameplate.

This positions the Duster directly against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara — all strong competitors. But walking into that fight with a 5-star BNCAP badge when the brand previously had no 5-star cars in India is a serious move.

Full story here: https://www.businessapac.com/news/duster-ncap-rating/

Would the 5-star safety rating push the Duster onto your shortlist for a family SUV? Or do you think the competition is still stronger overall? Drop your take in the comments.

[caraiadvisor]

How to Check Car Safety Ratings Before Buying in India

It requires more than just checking the mileage, design, or price of a car to make the right one. Today, with the availability of so many cars in India, safety should be one of the key factors that you should consider while making a decision. By looking at the scores given by respected organizations like Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, learning about star ratings, and figuring out vital safety features, you will be able to make a wise and responsible choice.

Though many Popular cars in India are offering competitive prices and state-of-the-art features, never let safety take a back seat to trends. A safer car is not only your protector but also your faithful companion on the roads of India.

[autoevtimes]

VinFast VF 6, VF 7 Secure 5-Star Bharat NCAP Rating

VinFast VF 6 and VF 7 have been awarded the highest 5-star safety certification by India’s Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP)

VINFAST electric SUVs VF 6 and VF 7 have achieved the highest 5-star safety rating from India’s Bharat NCAP, demonstrating exceptional protection for both adult and child occupants in crash tests and reinforcing the brand’s commitment to delivering safe, technologically advanced EVs as it scales its presence in one of the world’s largest automotive markets.

[autoevtimes]

Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara Marks India’s First 5-Star Bharat NCAP Electric SUV

Maruti Suzuki has achieved a major milestone as its newly showcased electric SUV, the e-Vitara, has officially become India’s first EV.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited all-new e Vitara has secured a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, becoming the first electric SUV in India to achieve top marks in both adult and child occupant protection. With 7 airbags standard across all variants, Level-2 ADAS, ESP, and a robust high-strength body structure, it sets a new benchmark for safety in the Indian EV market. This reinforces that electrification and safety can go hand-in-hand.

[fixigoindia]

10 Cars with 5-Star Bharat NCAP Safety – Maintain with Fixigo

Explore 5-star safety rating cars in India. Learn about top models, safety features, and Fixigo’s expert car care services to keep your car

Safety comes first when choosing a car! In our blog 10 Cars with 5-Star Bharat NCAP Safety – Maintain with FixiGo, we highlight the safest cars in India that protect you and your loved ones. Plus, learn how FixiGo helps you maintain them with top-notch car care services. Read now and drive worry-free!

[phonemantra-blog]

Tata Motors, a leading Indian automaker, has achieved a significant milestone in the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market. The company’s two popular electric SUVs, the Punch EV and the Nexon EV, have experienced phenomenal sales success. Within just five months of its launch, the Punch EV has surpassed the impressive mark of 10,000 units sold. Meanwhile, its larger sibling, the Nexon EV, has reached a staggering total of over 68,000 units sold since its introduction in 2020. A Winning Combination: SUVs Meet EVs This remarkable sales achievement underscores the growing demand for electric SUVs in India. SUVs have consistently enjoyed […]

Tata Motors, a leading Indian automaker, has achieved a significant milestone in the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market. The company's two popular electric SUVs, the Punch EV and the Nexon EV, have experienced phenomenal sales success. Within just five months of its launch, the Punch EV has surpassed the impressive mark of 10,000 units sold. Meanwhile, its larger sibling, the Nexon EV, has reached a staggering total of over 68,000 units sold since its introduction in 2020. Tata Motors Celebrates EV Success A Winning Combination: SUVs Meet EVs This remarkable sales achievement underscores the growing demand for electric SUVs in India. SUVs have consistently enjoyed immense popularity among Indian car buyers, offering a blend of practicality, space, and driving dynamics. By combining the ever-increasing appeal of EVs with the established popularity of SUVs, Tata Motors has tapped into a winning formula. Feature-Packed and Safety-Focused: Punch EV and Nexon EV Offerings Both the Punch EV and Nexon EV boast an array of features designed to enhance the driving experience. The Nexon EV, the more premium offering, comes equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity. It also features a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, a premium 9-speaker JBL sound system, automatic climate control with rear vents, a wireless phone charger, a sunroof, and ventilated front seats for added comfort. The Punch EV, catering to a slightly different segment, offers a dual-screen setup with two 10.25-inch screens, one for the instrument cluster and the other dedicated to infotainment. Additional features include an air purifier for improved cabin air quality, a 6-speaker sound system, cruise control for effortless highway driving, ambient lighting for a personalized touch, and a sunroof to enhance the feeling of spaciousness. Safety remains a top priority for Tata Motors. Both the Punch EV and Nexon EV prioritize occupant protection with six airbags as standard equipment. They also come equipped with a 360-degree camera system for enhanced parking maneuverability, all-wheel disc brakes for optimal stopping power, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold functionality for added convenience. Advanced driver-assistance features like blind spot monitoring, hill hold control, and hill descent control further contribute to a safe and confident driving experience. Both SUVs recently underwent rigorous crash testing conducted by Bharat NCAP, a prominent automotive safety rating agency in India. Impressively, both the Punch EV and Nexon EV achieved the highest possible rating of 5 stars, demonstrating their commitment to occupant safety. Performance and Range: Powering the Journey The Punch EV and Nexon EV cater to different requirements when it comes to performance and range. The Punch EV is offered with two battery pack options: a 25 kWh battery and a larger 35 kWh battery (Long Range). These battery packs provide a claimed range of 315 km (195 miles) and 421 km (262 miles), respectively, according to ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) testing standards. The Nexon EV also offers two battery pack options: a 30 kWh battery (Medium Range) and a larger 40.5 kWh battery (Long Range). These battery packs offer a claimed range of 325 km (202 miles) and 465 km (289 miles), respectively, according to ARAI testing. Both SUVs feature multiple drive modes – Eco, City, and Sport – allowing drivers to optimize their driving experience for efficiency or performance. Additionally, they offer four levels of regenerative braking, enabling drivers to customize the level of energy recuperation during braking. Competitive Landscape and Pricing The Tata Punch EV occupies a price range of ₹10.99 lakh to ₹15.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Its primary competitor in the electric vehicle segment is the Citroen eC3. Additionally, it serves as a premium alternative to the Tata Tiago EV and MG Comet EV. The Tata Nexon EV finds itself competing directly with the Mahindra XUV400 EV in the electric SUV segment. Its price range of ₹14.49 lakh to ₹19.49 lakh (ex-showroom) positions it as a slightly more affordable option compared to the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric. FAQs: Q: What is the price range of the Tata Punch EV? A: The Tata Punch EV is priced between ₹10.99 lakh and ₹15.49 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. Q: What is the claimed range of the Tata Nexon EV? A: The Tata Nexon EV offers a claimed range of 325 km (202 miles) to 465 km (289 miles) depending on the battery pack option chosen. Q: What are the main competitors of the Tata Punch EV and Nexon EV? A: The Tata Punch EV competes with the Citroen eC3, Tata Tiago EV, and MG Comet EV. The Tata Nexon EV rivals the Mahindra XUV400 EV and serves as a more affordable alternative to the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Q: What are some of the challenges facing the Indian electric vehicle market? A: Limited charging infrastructure is a major concern. Additionally, higher upfront costs of electric vehicles compared to gasoline-powered counterparts can be a deterrent for some buyers.

[phonemantra-blog]

The much-anticipated next-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift has undergone safety evaluations in its home market, Japan, by the rigorous Japanese New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP). This rigorous testing provides valuable insights into the car’s core safety structure and the effectiveness of its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). While the Indian-spec Swift might not mirror its Japanese counterpart exactly, the JNCAP results offer valuable clues about the potential safety improvements we can expect in the upcoming Indian model. Let’s delve into the key takeaways from the 2024 Swift’s JNCAP performance. A Clear Improvement in Safety: A Step Up from Previous Generations It’s crucial […]

The much-anticipated next-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift has undergone safety evaluations in its home market, Japan, by the rigorous Japanese New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP). This rigorous testing provides valuable insights into the car's core safety structure and the effectiveness of its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). While the Indian-spec Swift might not mirror its Japanese counterpart exactly, the JNCAP results offer valuable clues about the potential safety improvements we can expect in the upcoming Indian model. Let's delve into the key takeaways from the 2024 Swift's JNCAP performance. Maruti Suzuki Swift Undergoes JNCAP Crash Testing A Clear Improvement in Safety: A Step Up from Previous Generations It's crucial to understand that JNCAP and Global NCAP (the program used for Indian car safety ratings) have distinct testing parameters and evaluation areas. However, considering the 2018 India-made Swift's disappointing 2-star safety rating from Global NCAP, the 4-star performance in the more stringent JNCAP signifies a significant improvement in the new Swift's overall safety quotient. A closer look at the JNCAP results reveals a breakdown of Swift's performance. The collision safety score of 81% indicates positive results for protecting front passengers in frontal and side-impact tests. Additionally, the JNCAP testing highlights Swift's effectiveness in mitigating neck injuries during rear-end collisions. Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) Under Scrutiny The Japanese-spec Swift comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS features designed to enhance collision avoidance and lane-departure prevention. JNCAP places a strong emphasis on evaluating these systems, particularly the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system that applies brakes autonomously when detecting vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. The testing process assesses the system's performance in various scenarios, including its ability to detect pedestrians or cyclists crossing a road at night with limited visibility. JNCAP assigns a separate score for "preventive safety performance," and the 2024 Swift attained a remarkable 99% in this category. However, it's important to manage expectations for the India-spec Swift. The inclusion of advanced ADAS features is unlikely due to potential cost increases that could put the car out of reach for its target market in India. Rear Passenger Safety: A Mixed Bag Typically, NCAP tests prioritize child occupant protection in rear seats. JNCAP, however, utilizes adult-sized dummies to assess rear-seat safety. In this area, the 2024 Swift's collision safety performance score was lowest in the offset frontal impact test. On a positive note, the car received a top rating for neck injury protection during rear-end collisions. Missing Data Points: Questions Remain for the Indian Market While JNCAP offers a comprehensive evaluation, the report leaves two crucial questions unanswered for Indian buyers: Body Shell Stability: Does the new-gen Swift's body shell demonstrate sufficient stability in the event of a frontal impact collision? JNCAP's report doesn't provide a definitive answer. Child Occupant Protection: JNCAP's use of adult dummies in rear-seat safety testing leaves us without a clear understanding of the car's effectiveness in protecting child passengers. FAQs Q: Did the 2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift achieve a good safety rating in the JNCAP crash test? A: Yes, the 2024 Swift received a 4-star safety rating in JNCAP, indicating a significant improvement over the previous generation. Q: Will the India-spec Swift be equipped with ADAS features? A: It's unlikely that the India-spec Swift will have ADAS features due to potential cost concerns.

[phonemantra-blog]

In today’s car market, safety ratings undeniably hold significant weight in a buyer’s decision, especially in India. Recognizing this, car manufacturers have gone beyond basic industry regulations and conduct rigorous internal crash tests. This holds for Tata Motors, a pioneer in 5-star safety in India, as exemplified by their flagship SUV, the Tata Safari. Recently, Tata offered a glimpse into their state-of-the-art crash test facility at the Pimpri manufacturing plant near Pune, using the Safari as a demonstration vehicle. Let’s delve deeper into this fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how Tata prioritizes safety in their cars. Beyond Regulations: The Importance of ... Read more

In today's car market, safety ratings undeniably hold significant weight in a buyer's decision, especially in India. Recognizing this, car manufacturers have gone beyond basic industry regulations and conduct rigorous internal crash tests. This holds for Tata Motors, a pioneer in 5-star safety in India, as exemplified by their flagship SUV, the Tata Safari. Recently, Tata offered a glimpse into their state-of-the-art crash test facility at the Pimpri manufacturing plant near Pune, using the Safari as a demonstration vehicle. Let's delve deeper into this fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how Tata prioritizes safety in their cars. Beyond Regulations: The Importance of Internal Crash Testing While NCAP ratings play a crucial role in informing potential buyers, car manufacturers like Tata conduct extensive internal crash testing long before their vehicles reach these official assessments. This meticulous approach ensures compliance with stringent safety standards even beyond regulatory requirements. Unfortunately, some car models still on the market haven't undergone these rigorous tests, leading to their 0-star NCAP ratings. A Peek Inside the Tata Crash Test Facility Tata's world-class crash test facility, established in 1997, boasts cutting-edge technology and meticulous processes. This facility caters not only to passenger vehicles but also to commercial trucks and buses, highlighting Tata's commitment to safety across its entire product range. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of their testing procedures: Pre-Test Preparations: Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Simulation: Before physical testing, the vehicle's structure and restraint systems undergo thorough computer simulations. This allows engineers to virtually predict how the car will behave in various collision scenarios, pinpointing potential weak points and guiding the design process for optimal safety. Servo Acceleration Sled: This innovative tool acts like a miniature crash test arena, focusing on individual component evaluation. The sled propels the component (e.g., seat, dashboard) at high speeds, mimicking the forces experienced in an actual crash. This allows engineers to assess the behavior and integrity of these components under pressure, fine-tuning them for better occupant protection. The Main Event: Full Vehicle Crash Test: The Crash Zone: The heart of the facility is the 200-meter-long tunnel leading to a massive concrete block, replicating a real-world wall. High-intensity lights mimicking natural sunlight illuminate the zone, ensuring clear visibility for recording and analysis. The Impact: The test vehicle, meticulously prepared with sophisticated sensors and dummies equipped with data loggers, is propelled towards the barrier at a predetermined speed using a complex pulley system. The entire collision, lasting mere milliseconds, is captured by multiple high-speed cameras positioned strategically both inside and outside the vehicle. Data Analysis: After the impact, engineers meticulously analyze the data collected from the sensors and cameras. This data reveals the deformation patterns, occupant movement, and effectiveness of restraint systems like airbags and seatbelts. This information is crucial for understanding how well the vehicle protected the occupants and identifying areas for further improvement. Continuous Improvement: Tata's commitment to safety doesn't end with a single test. They emphasize continuous improvement through: Regular Calibration: The dummies and sensors used in the tests are meticulously calibrated after every few test cycles to ensure their accuracy and reliability. Post-Test Evaluation: Even if a component appears undamaged visually, it undergoes thorough post-test assessments to confirm its continued adherence to safety standards. Tata Safari: A Testament to Safety First The 5-star NCAP and GNCAP ratings achieved by the Tata Safari stand as a testament to the effectiveness of their meticulous crash test procedures. By prioritizing safety throughout the design and development process, Tata Motors empowers Indian car buyers to make informed choices and prioritize their well-being on the road. FAQs: Q: Why are internal crash tests conducted beyond NCAP regulations? A: Internal crash tests allow car manufacturers to go beyond basic regulatory requirements and ensure their vehicles offer an even higher level of safety for occupants. Q: What are the different types of tests conducted at the Tata crash test facility? A: Tata conducts a variety of tests, including frontal and side-impact collisions, roof crush tests, and individual component evaluations using the servo acceleration sled. Q: How does Tata ensure the accuracy and reliability of their crash test results? A: Tata uses cutting-edge technology and adheres to strict protocols throughout the testing process. Regular calibration and meticulous data analysis ensure the accuracy and reliability of their results.