The Safest Cars In India: Bharat NCAP Edition

Did you know that there are agencies that rate cars for safety based on various parameters. If you have, you might have heard of Latin NCAP and Global NCAP. India also has a safety rating agency called Bharat NCAP. Introduced in 2023, the Bharat New Car Evaluation Program is a government sponsored agency that conducts crash tests on cars sold in India. 

The tests have a star rating program with one to five stars, awarding five stars to the safest cars. It is heartening to know that a number of cars sold in India scored five stars in the safety tests making them the safest cars you can buy. Before we get to the safe cars, let's understand the Bharat NCAP testing and rating parameters.

How Does Bharat NCAP Test Cars?

Bharat NCAP’s testing methods vary slightly from its global counterparts. Bharat NCAP uses a variety of tests and assessments to test a car’s crash worthiness and it begins with the selection process. 

Car Selection

Under Bharat NCAP, authorities can select a popular car which sold a minimum of 30,000 units the previous year, or on MoRTH’s recommendation based on market feedback. Carmakers can voluntarily agree to nominate their cars for testing. Bharat NCAP randomly selects at least three base model cars for its test. Bharat NCAP tests these cars at the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT).

Cars that qualify under the M1 category are considered for Bharat NCAP. These include passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 3,500kg or less and seating capacity of up to eight occupants. 

Frontal Offset Impact Crash Test

The first one is the Frontal Offset Impact Test where the test car is subject to an offset crash with another vehicle at a speed of 64kmph, with 40% overlap. The car’s occupants include two adult dummies in the front and two child dummies at the back seat. 

Side Impact Crash Test

The Side Impact Crash Test evaluates the car’s safety and stability in the event of a side on collision. The side impact test is conducted at a speed of 50kmph with one adult dummy in the front and two child dummies in the back seat. 

Side Pole Impact Crash Test

A Side Impact Pole Test is conducted at a relatively slower speed of 29kmph with one adult dummy in the front seat. Experts evaluate these tests on a points based system and award star ratings based on total scores. These tests are witnessed by the car maker’s representatives and Bharat NCAP officials. 

Bharat NCAP compiles the crash results and publishes it on its official website. Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) then issues a certificate to the car maker.

What Points Are Bharat NCAP Test Cars Evaluated On?

Bharat NCAP awards points to the tested cars on three major parameters. These are Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection and Safety Assist Technology. 

Adult Occupant Protection

Adult Occupant Protection focuses on adult passenger safety and minimising adult injuries in accidents. The tests focus on parameters such as structural safety, airbags and seatbelts. A maximum of 32 points can be awarded on the basis of Front Impact Test, Side Impact Test and Pole Impact Test.

Child Occupant Protection

Child Occupant Protection focuses on child protection. Besides Front Impact Test and Side Impact Test, other parameters such as Child Restraint System anchor points are tested as well. A maximum of 49 points are awarded to cars based on these tests. 

Safety Assist Technology 

The cars are also tested for onboard safety assist technologies. While these are not awarded points, these act as qualifiers for star safety ratings. For example seat belt warnings and Electronic Stability Programs are compulsory qualifiers for a car to score above three star ratings. Cars must have standard Side Head Protection System to qualify for a five star rating. 

Bharat NCAP Star Rating System Explained

The Bharat NCAP star rating is a tier based system. Each car can earn a maximum of five stars based on the number of points scored. Besides points, cars have to have mandatory qualifiers such as side impact pole test and onboard safety assist technologies to be considered for a particular tier. 

One star needs a maximum of four points in Adult Occupant Protection and nine points in Child Occupant Protection. Two stars need a minimum of 10 AOP and 18 COP points. These cars need to have a pedestrian protection system as a standard to qualify. 

To qualify for three stars and above, cars need to have standard seat belt reminder and ESP. Three stars need a minimum of 16 AOP and 24 COP points, while four stars need a minimum of 22 AOP and 35 COP points. 

To qualify for five stars, cars need to have a side head protection system as standard. To achieve five stars, cars must score a minimum of 27 points in Adult Occupant Protection and 41 points in Child Occupant Protection. The cars can earn a maximum of 32 points in AOP and 49 points in COP. 

The Safest Cars In India: Cars That Scored 5 Stars in Bharat NCAP Tests

Bharat NCAP started testing cars in 2023 and since then has tested 15 cars. Some of the cars here scored high in global tests as well. Interestingly, SUVs dominate Bharat NCAP’s five star ratings. 

A car can earn a maximum of 32 points under Adult Occupant Protection and 49 points under Child Occupant Protection, making a total of 81 points. We have listed the safest five star rated cars in India, in descending order. Here’s the list:

14: Hyundai Tucson | 71.84 points

The Tucson is the only Hyundai car tested by Bharat NCAP.  The premium SUV scores 30.84 points in Adult Occupant Protection and 41 points in Child Occupant Protection safety parameters. Why pay more for safety? A used Hyuundai Tuscon delivers it at a lower cost.

While the SUV is available in petrol and diesel powertrain, only the petrol engine variant was tested. The SUV scored highly on standard safety equipment which included three point seat belts all around, seat belt alarms, ESC, six airbags and ISOFIX anchors for rear seats. Prices for the SUV start at ₹29.27 lakhs ex showroom, going up to ₹36.04 lakh. 

13. Mahindra XUV 3XO | 72.96 points

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is the smallest four door SUV in the carmaker’s lineup yet it scores five stars. The compact SUV scores 29.96 points in Adult Occupant Protection and 43 points in Child Occupant Protection safety tests. The carmaker voluntarily sent MX2 and AX7 L variants of the 3XO. A used Mahindra XUV 3XO combines high safety ratings with budget-friendly value.

The Mahindra 3XO impresses with its safety features, especially the Level 2 ADAS features on the AX5 L and AX7 L variants. However, all 3XO variants get three point seat belts, seat belt warning, ESC, six airbags and ISOFIX seat mounts. Prices for the compact SUV starts at ₹ 7.99 lakh ex showroom, going up to ₹15.79 lakh. 

12. Tata Curvv | 73.16 points

Tata’s newest SUV scores high on the safety front. The coupe SUV scores 29.50 points for Adult Occupant Protection and 43.66 points for Child Occupant Protection safety parameters. The Curvv is packed with safety features. All variants of the coupe SUV feature standard six airbags, ESC, three point seat belts with reminders and an electronic parking brake. If safety is your top priority, a second-hand Tata Curvv makes smart financial sense.

Higher variants of the Curvv get 360 camera and ISOFIX mounts as well as ADAS features such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning and more. Prices for the coupe SUV start at ₹10.00 lakh ex showroom, going up to ₹19.52 lakh. 

11. Tata Nexon | 73.24 points

Tata’s most popular SUV scores high in terms of safety. The Tata Nexon scores 29.41 points in Adult Occupant Protection and 43.83 points in Child Occupant Protection. One of the compact SUV’s strong selling point has been its safety record. With a used Tata Nexon, you don’t compromise on safety—or your wallet.

All variants of the Tata Nexon get six airbags, ISOFIX anchor points, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill hold control and rear parking sensors. Prices for the Tata Nexon start at ₹ 8.00 lakh going up to ₹15.60 lakh. 

10. Mahindra XUV 400 | 73.38 points

The Mahindra XUV 400 makes a fantastic case for electric SUVs in terms of safety. The electric SUV scores 30.38 points in Adult Occupant Protection and 43 points in Child Protection Safety. These safety ratings apply to all variants of the XUV 400. Drive confidently in a used Mahindra XUV 400, one of India's safest cars, and save big.

The electric SUV gets standard safety features in the form of six airbags, disc brakes on all wheels, ABS with EBD, ESP, rearview camera and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Interestingly, only the top variant of the XUV 400 gets six airbags. Prices for the Mahindra XUV 400 starts at ₹16.74 lakh going up to ₹17.69 lakh. 

9. Kia Syros | 74.62 points

Kia’s all new SUV is also the newest car to be tested by Bharat NCAP. The Syros scores 30.2 points in Adult Occupant Protection and 44.42 points in Child Occupant Protection. Interestingly, the Syros sits on Kia’s K1 platform which also underpins the Grand i10. However the Syros’ bodyshell uses hot stamped reinforcements in key areas to achieve rigidity. 

Besides a reinforced bodyshell, the Syros is packed with safety features. All variants of the compact SUV get six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, TPMS, ISOFIX seat mounts, Hill Start Assist, three point seatbelts and front and rear parking sensors. Higher variants get ADAS Level 2 technology. Prices for the Syros start at ₹ 9.50 lakh going up to ₹16.00 lakh ex showroom. 

8. Tata Safari / Harrier | 74.62 points

Both the two and three row Tata SUVs score five stars. Both SUVs score 30.08 points in Adult Occupant Protection and 44.54 points in Child Occupant Protection. The Harrier gets Six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, Hill Hold Control, rear parking sensors and ISOFIX mounts as standard. The Safari gets all this as standard in addition to all wheel disc brakes and roll over mitigation. Choosing a used Tata Safari means getting top safety features at a fraction of the new price.

Prices for the Tata Harrier starts at ₹15.00 lakh going up to ₹26.50 lakh. The range topping three row Tata Safari commands a higher premium with prices starting at ₹15.50 lakh going up to ₹27.25 lakh. 

7. Tata Nexon EV | 74.81 points

Like its ICE sibling, the Nexon EV scores five stars as well. In fact, the electric SUV scores than the ICE Nexon. It scores 29.86 points for Adult Occupant Protection and 44.95 points in Child Occupant Protection. The Nexon EV scored higher in the Frontal Offset Deformable Barrier Test in AOP and a higher Dynamic score in COP tests. Get the peace of mind of a safe car—without the new car price—with a used Tata Nexon EV.

Both the Nexon and Nexon EV have similar standard safety equipment. This includes six airbags, ISOFIX mounts, ESC, TPMS and 360 degree camera. Prices for the Tata Nexon EV start at ₹12.49 lakh going up to ₹17.19 lakh. 

6. Tata Curvv EV | 75.64 points

Like the Nexon EV, the Tata Curvv EV also scores higher than its ICE sibling. The Curvv EV scores 30.81 points in Adult Occupant Protection and 44.83 points in Child Occupant Protection tests. The Curvv scores higher in Frontal Offset Deformable Barrier Test and Side Movable Deformable Barrier Test in AOP and a higher dynamic score in COP tests. A used Tata Curvv EV offers Bharat NCAP-rated safety without stretching your budget. 

The Curvv EV gets standard safety features such as six airbags, ESC, rear parking sensors and ISOFIX seat mounts. Higher variants get Level 2 ADAS, 360 degree camera with front parking sensors and TPMS. Prices for the Tata Curvv EV start at ₹17.49 lakh ex showroom going up to ₹22.24 lakh. 

5. Skoda Kylaq | 75.88 points

Like all Skoda cars, even its smallest SUV does not skimp on safety. The Skoda Kylaq scores 30.88 points in Adult Occupant Protection and 45 points in Child Occupant Protection. In fact, the Kylaq’s COP score is identical to the top six five-star rated cars in India. Safety doesn't have to be expensive—choose a used Skoda Kylaq for reliable protection at a better price.

The Kylaq’s safety stems from its robust MQB-A0-IN platform which also underpins the larger Kushaq and Slavia. Besides this, all variants of the Kylaq get three point seat belts all around, six airbags, ESC and ISOFIX mounts as standard fitment. Prices for the Skoda Kylaq start at ₹ 8.25 ex showroom lakh going up to ₹13.99 lakh.

4. Mahindra Thar Roxx | 76.09 points

Despite being the only SUV in this list to feature a ladder on frame construction, the Thar Roxx scores higher than most monocoque SUVs on this list. The Thar Roxx scores 31.09 points in Adult Occupant Protection and 45 points in Child Occupant Protection. The five star rating is applicable to all variants of the Thar Roxx. Want the safety of a new car but not the price? A pre-owned Mahindra Thar Roxx delivers just that.

The Mahindra Thar Roxx is packed with standard safety features such as six airbags, three point seat belts with reminders, ESC and ISOFIX mounts. Its higher AX5 L and AX7 L variants get Level 2 ADAS features such as Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking. Prices for the Thar Roxx start at ₹ 12.99 lakh ex showroom going up to 23.09 lakh. 

3. Tata Punch EV | 76.46 points

Despite being the smallest Tata electric SUV, the Punch EV scores higher than other Tata SUVs on this list. The Punch EV scores 31.46 points in Adult Occupant Protection and 45 points in Child Occupant Protection. Looking for top-tier safety without the new car cost? A used Tata Punch EV is an excellent option.

The Punch EV sits on a new EV only platform developed by Tata which helps it achieve high safety scores. Besides this, the Punch EV gets safety features such as six airbags, ESC, ISOFIX mounts, 360 degree camera, blind spot monitor and electronic parking brake. Prices for the Punch EV start at ₹9.99 lakh ex showroom going up to ₹14.44 lakh. 

2. Mahindra BE 6 | 76.97 points

Mahindra’s new electric SUVs are a game changer even on the safety front. The Mahindra BE 6 scores 31.97 points in Adult Occupant Protection and 45 points in Child Occupant Protection tests. 

The BE 6 comes packed with standard safety equipment like six airbags, driver drowsiness detection system, all wheel disc brakes, TPMS, electronic parking brake, rear camera and rear parking sensors. Prices for the Mahindra BE 6 start at ₹18.90 lakh ex showroom going up to ₹26.90 lakh. 

1. Mahindra XEV | 9e

Mahindra’s flagship EV is the safest car in India with a perfect score in Adult Occupant Protection. The XEV 9e scores a full 32 points in AOC and 45 points in Child Occupant Protection. 

The XEV 9e gets ADAS features like Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking and Adaptive Cruise control from the second lowest variant onwards. Standard safety features include six airbags, electronic parking brake, ESC and ISOFIX. Prices for the Mahindra XEV 9e start at ₹21.90 lakh ex showroom going up to ₹31.25 lakh.

Conclusion

Vehicle safety has become a big selling point for new car buyers. While we previously relied on independent safety test regulators like Global NCAP and Latin NCAP for information, a government backed entity like Bharat NCAP offers more credibility and focus on Indian cars. 

Indian carmakers like Mahindra and Tata Motors voluntarily offer cars for tests as scoring five stars is also a good way to market their cars as the safest ones around. While all the 5 star cars are SUVs, we should expect sedans to join the five star club soon. Also the fact that the safest cars are electric SUVs should help EV adoption faster.