Safest Cars Under ₹10 Lakh in India in 2024

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 2024. 

Model Name	Fuel Type	Body Type	Mileage	Ex-showroom Price	Global NCAP Safety Rating
Mahindra XUV300	Petrol/Diesel	SUV	16.82-20 km/l	₹8.41 lakh-₹14.07 lakh	5 Stars
Tata Punch	Petrol/CNG	Hatchback	18.82-20.09 km/l	₹6 lakh-₹9.54 lakh	5 Stars
Tata Altroz	Petrol/Diesel	Hatchback	18.5-23.64 km/l	₹6.25 lakh-₹10.25 lakh	5 Stars
Tata Nexon	Petrol/Diesel	SUV	17.05-24.07 km/l	₹7.70 lakh-₹14.18 lakh	5 Stars
Honda Jazz	Petrol	Hatchback	16.6-17.1 km/l	₹8.01 lakh-₹10.32 lakh	4 Stars

1. Mahindra XUV300

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

Key Specifications of Mahindra XUV300:

Maximum Power	108 bhp(1.2L Pl), 129 bhp (1.2L GDi), 115 bhp (Diesel)
Maximum Torque	200 Nm (1.2L P), Up to 250 Nm (1.2L GDi), 300 Nm (1.5L D)
Transmission	6-Speed MT, AMT
Engine	1.2L Turbo Petrol, 1.2L TGDi Turbo Petrol, 1.5L CRDI Diesel
Fuel Type	Petrol/Diesel
Mileage	16.82-20 km/l
Body Type	SUV
Seating Capacity	5

Key Safety Features of Mahindra XUV300:

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

What's Good:

• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Powerful engine options
• Good safety rating
• Affordable price

What's Not Good:

• Fuel efficiency could be better
• Ride quality could be improved
• Interior plastics feel a bit cheap

Check out our collection of used Mahindra XUV300 cars in India.

2. Tata Punch

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

Key Specifications of Tata Punch:

Maximum Power	86.5 bhp (Petrol), 72.4 bhp (CNG)
Maximum Torque	115 Nm (1.2L P), 103 Nm (1.2L CNG)
Transmission	5-Speed Manual (Petrol and CNG), 5-Speed AMT (Petrol)
Engine	1.2L Revotron Engine, 1.2L Revotron CNG Engine
Fuel Type	Petrol
Mileage	18.82-20.09 km/l
Body Type	Hatchback
Seating Capacity	5

Key Safety Features of Tata Punch:

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

What's Good:

• Excellent safety rating
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Fun to drive
• Affordable price

What's Not Good:

• Engine could be more powerful
• Boot space is a bit small
• Features list is not as comprehensive as some other cars in the segment

Check out our collection of used Tata Punch cars in India.

3. Tata Altroz

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

Key Specifications of Tata Altroz:

Maximum Power	86.5 bhp (Petrol), 108.4 bhp (i-Turbo), 88.7 bhp (Diesel), 72.4 bhp (CNG)
Maximum Torque	115 Nm (1.2L P), 140 Nm (i-Turbo), 200 Nm (Diesel), 103 Nm (1.2L CNG)
Transmission	5-Speed Manual, 6-Speed DCA (i-Turbo)
Engine	1.2L Revotron Engine, 1.2L i-Turbo, 1.5L Revotorq Diesel, 1.2L Revotron CNG Engine
Fuel Type	Petrol/Diesel
Mileage	18.5-23.64 km/l
Body Type	Hatchback
Seating Capacity	5

Key Safety Features of Tata Altroz:

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

What's Good:

• Excellent safety rating
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Sharp handling
• Feature-rich

What's Not Good:

• Engine could be more powerful
• Boot space is a bit small
• Ride quality could be improved

Check out our collection of used Tata Altroz cars in India.

4. Tata Nexon

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

Key Specifications of Tata Nexon:

Maximum Power	118 bhp/113 bhp
Maximum Torque	170 Nm/260 Nm
Transmission	5-Speed Manual, 5-Speed AMT
Engine	1.2L Turbo Revotron, 1.5L Turbo Revotorq Diesel
Fuel Type	Petrol/Diesel
Mileage	17.05-24.07 km/l
Body Type	SUV
Seating Capacity	7

Key Safety Features of Tata Nexon:

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

What's Good:

• Excellent safety rating
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Fun to drive
• Affordable price

What's Not Good:

• Engine could be more powerful
• Boot space is a bit small
• Features list is not as comprehensive as some rivals

Check out our collection of used Tata Nexon cars in India.

5. Honda Jazz

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

Key Specifications of Honda Jazz:

Maximum Power	88 bhp
Maximum Torque	110 Nm
Transmission	5-Speed Manual, CVT
Engine	1.2L i-VTEC
Fuel Type	Petrol
Mileage	16.6-17.1 km/l
Body Type	Hatchback
Seating Capacity	5

Key Safety Features of Honda Jazz:

Dual front airbags

ABS with EBD

Rear parking camera with sensor

Engine immobiliser anti-theft system

Impact mitigating headrests

What's Good:

• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Smooth and refined engine
• Excellent fuel efficiency
• Fun to drive

What's Not Good:

• Safety rating is not as good as some rivals
• Boot space is a bit small
• Features list is not as comprehensive as some other cars in the segment

Check out our collection of used Honda Jazz cars in India.

Why Are Safety Ratings Necessary For Cars?

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: 

• Safety ratings let you judge how safe a vehicle can be 
• Provide an independent assessment of the safety performance of the tested vehicle
• Can help you make an informed car-buying decision

Safety Features to Consider While Buying a Car

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. 

• Dual airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Structural rigidity
• ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
• Three-point seat belt with pretensioners
• Reverse parking sensors/camera

The Bottom Line

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 with highest Global NCAP Ratings for detailed insights.

FAQs

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.