According to the ‘Road Accidents in India 2022’ report, India recorded 1,55,622 road accidents in 2022. Sadly, these accidents resulted in the loss of 59,707 lives and caused injuries to 3,31,915 individuals. Most of these accidents happen because of factors like speeding, lane indiscipline, drunk driving, and mobile phone usage. A car with good safety features can significantly reduce the severity of injuries. Our list of the safest cars under ₹10 lakh in India includes some of the choicest cars that prioritise safety without compromising on affordability.
We have made sure that all the cars listed here are highly rated according to the Global NCAP ratings, which evaluate crash tests from various angles and speeds, providing a comprehensive assessment of a car’s safety. The highest-rated cars can withstand tough crash scenarios, ensuring passenger protection.
Read up to know more about the top choices for the Safest Cars Under ₹10 Lakh in India for 2023.
Model Name | Fuel Type | Body Type | Mileage | Ex-showroom Price | Global NCAP Safety Rating |
Mahindra XUV300 | Petrol/Diesel | SUV | 16.5 km/l (Petrol), 20 km/l (Diesel) | ₹8.41 lakh-₹14.07 lakh | 5 Stars |
Tata Punch | Petrol | Hatchback | 18.82 km/l | ₹6 lakh-₹9.54 lakh | 5 Stars |
Tata Altroz | Petrol/Diesel | Hatchback | 16 km/l (Petrol), 20 km/l (Diesel) | ₹6.25 lakh-₹10.25 lakh | 5 Stars |
Tata Nexon | Petrol/Diesel | SUV | 13 km/l (Petrol), 16.75 km/l (Diesel) | ₹7.70 lakh-₹14.18 lakh | 5 Stars |
Honda Jazz | Petrol | Hatchback | 17.1 km/l | ₹8.01 lakh-₹10.32 lakh | 4 Stars |
Category | Star rating |
Adult Protection rating | 5 Stars |
Child Protection rating | 4 Stars |
Even though the Tata Nexon was once promoted as the safest car in the country, it’s the Mahindra XUV300 which became the first model to get the full 5-star Global NCAP rating. Also, unlike the Tata Nexon, which has a 3-star child occupant protection score, the XUV300 has scored 4-star.
Again, these safety ratings are as per the less stringent norms in use earlier, but they continue to reflect the high safety quotient of this compact SUV. Some other virtues of the XUV300 include good road handling, powerful engines, and a comfortable ride.
Global NCAP rating: 5-stars
Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹8.41 lakh-₹14.07 lakh
Maximum Power | 110 bhp/117 bhp |
Maximum Torque | 200 Nm/300 Nm |
Transmission | 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic |
Engine | 1.2-litre Turbocharged/1.5-litre Turbocharged |
Fuel Type | Petrol/Diesel |
Mileage | 16.5 km/l (Petrol), 20 km/l (Diesel) |
Body Type | SUV |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Six airbags |
All four disc brakes |
Front parking sensors |
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) |
ABS and EBD with cornering function |
Front and rear fog lamps |
ISOFIX anchorage |
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) |
Seat belt reminder |
Rear defogger |
Panic Braking Signal |
Hill Start Assist |
Check out our collection of used Mahindra XUV300 cars in India.
Category | Star rating |
Adult Protection rating | 5 Stars |
Child Protection rating | 4 Stars |
The latest model from Tata Motors to have received a full 5-star safety rating is the Tata Punch. Again, it’s important to mention here that this score is as per the less stringent protocols that used to be observed earlier. Still, the SUV-style hatchback impresses with a 5-star adult occupant protection and a 4-star child occupant protection score.
Other highlights of this Maruti Ignis-rival include a sleek and stylish design, good ride-and-handling balance, and a sufficiently smooth 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission. Check out our latest blog on the Safety Rating and Adult and Child Protection Scores of the Tata Punch to learn more.
Global NCAP rating: 5-stars
Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹6 lakh-₹9.54 lakh
Maximum Power | 87 bhp/185 bhp |
Maximum Torque | 113 Nm/380 Nm |
Transmission | 5-speed manual/5-speed AMT |
Engine | 1.2-litre |
Fuel Type | Petrol |
Mileage | 18.82 km/l (Petrol) |
Body Type | Hatchback |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Dual airbags |
ABS and EBD with brake sway control |
ISOFIX anchorages |
Reverse parking camera |
Front fog lamps with cornering function |
Auto headlamps |
Rain sensing wipers |
Rear defogger |
Check out our collection of used Tata Punch cars in India.
Category | Star rating |
Adult Protection rating | 5 Stars |
Child Protection rating | 3 Stars |
Tata Altroz was launched in India in January 2020 and is currently the safest hatchback on sale in the country. It’s worth mentioning here that this hatchback has scored a full 5-star rating in the adult occupant protection category and a decent 3-star score in the child occupant protection category.
Some major highlights of this Maruti Baleno rival include trendy looks, a good ride, petrol and diesel engine options, and a strong build. Check out our latest blog on the Safety Rating and Adult and Child Protection Scores of the Tata Altroz to learn more.
Global NCAP rating: 5 stars
Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹6.25 lakh-₹10.25 lakh
Maximum Power | 87 bhp/90 bhp |
Maximum Torque | 113 Nm/200 Nm |
Transmission | 5-speed manual |
Engine | 1.2-litre Turbocharged/2.2-litre Turbocharged |
Fuel Type | Petrol/Diesel |
Mileage | 16 km/l (Petrol), 20 km/l (Diesel) |
Body Type | Hatchback |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Dual Front Airbags |
ABS with EBD |
Corner Stability Control (CSC) |
Reverse Parking Camera |
ISOFIX Mounts |
Voice Alerts |
Parking Assistance |
Height Adjustable Seat Belt |
Fog Lamps |
Check out our collection of used Tata Altroz cars in India.
Category | Star rating |
Adult Protection rating | 5 Stars |
Child Protection rating | 3 Stars |
Tata Nexon shot to fame with its much-publicised ‘safest car in India’ claim. While it’s no longer the safest car available, it still boasts a 5-star Global NCAP rating in the adult occupant protection category.
Please note here that this score is based on the less stringent standard in effect earlier. Some of the other highlights of this compact SUV include a spacious interior, good ride quality, and trendy looks. You can take a small detour to learn more about the finer details of the Safety rating and Adult and Child Protection Score of the Tata Nexon.
Global NCAP rating: 5 stars
Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹7.70 lakh-₹14.18 lakh
Maximum Power | 110 bhp/120 bhp |
Maximum Torque | 260 Nm/170 Nm |
Transmission | 6-speed manual/6-speed AMT |
Engine | 1.2-litre |
Fuel Type | Petrol/Diesel |
Mileage | 13 km/l (Petrol),16.75 km/l (Diesel) |
Body Type | SUV |
Seating Capacity | 7 |
Dual Front Airbags |
ESP |
Electronic Traction Control |
Emergency Brake Assist |
Hill Hold Assist |
Brake Disc Wiping |
ABS with EBD |
ISOFIX Mounts |
Reverse Parking Assist Camera |
Check out our collection of used Tata Nexon cars in India.
Category | Star rating |
Adult Protection rating | 4 Stars |
Child Protection rating | 3 Stars |
While the Honda Jazz received a generation upgrade in many parts of the world a few years ago, India continues to have the last-gen model on sale. Despite its age, the Jazz manages to be the only B2-segment hatchback other than the Tata Altroz to make it to this list of safest cars in the country.
The Jazz is a practical choice for anyone looking for a spacious and sufficiently loaded interior, a smooth engine with decent fuel efficiency, and the reliability that is synonymous with Honda.
Global NCAP rating: 4 stars
Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹8.01 lakh-₹10.32 lakh
Maximum Power | 90 bhp |
Maximum Torque | 110 Nm |
Transmission | 5-speed manual |
Engine | 1.2-litre |
Fuel Type | Petrol |
Mileage | 17.1 km/l |
Body Type | Hatchback |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Dual front airbags |
ABS with EBD |
Rear parking camera with sensor |
Engine immobiliser anti-theft system |
Impact mitigating headrests |
Check out our collection of used Honda Jazz cars in India.
While Global NCAP ratings are not the last word to define the safety quotient of any vehicle, these ratings are still necessary for a relative measure of safety provided to all cars tested by NCAP. These ratings tell us about the strength of the structure of a vehicle and the impact of a collision on an adult as well as a child occupant. Given below are a few reasons for the importance of safety ratings:
Here are some of the safety features that should be present in any vehicle you buy. As per the latest set of Government laws, all of these features should be available as standard fitment on all cars for sale in the country.
In conclusion, safety should be one of your top priorities when purchasing a car, and the Global NCAP rating provides a reliable measure of just that. While India has a long way to go in terms of improving overall road safety, it is heartening to see automakers step up, kickstart an initiative, and produce safer vehicles for the Indian market.
The cars on this list are not only safe but also offer a range of features and styles to suit various preferences. These cars are sure to keep you and your loved ones safe and protected on the road. Additionally, you can explore our blog highlighting the Top 10 Safest Cars in India in 2023 with highest Global NCAP Ratings for detailed insights.
Q. What are the key safety features one should prioritise when choosing a car?
Essential safety features to look for in a car include airbags, ABS, ESC, seat belts, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Q. How are crash test ratings evaluated and determined?
Crash test ratings are determined through controlled tests conducted by organisations like Global NCAP. They evaluate a car’s performance in simulated crash scenarios and assess factors such as occupant protection, structural integrity, and safety technologies.
Q. Is it possible to add extra safety features to a car after purchase?
Retrofitting additional safety features to a car is possible in some cases. However, it’s important to consult with professionals and ensure compatibility with the vehicle’s design and systems.
Q. What is the significance of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and why is it essential?
ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System. It prevents the wheels from locking up during sudden braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control and reduce the risk of skidding or loss of control.
Q. Do budget cars provide the same level of safety as more expensive ones?
Budget cars can vary in safety levels. Generally, more expensive cars tend to have advanced safety features and technologies. However, it’s essential to check the specific safety features and crash test ratings of any car, regardless of its price range, to make an informed decision.