Global NCAP who is responsible for conducting safety tests on cars has released the much awaited results of the tests conducted on some India bound cars. Sadly, all the cars including Honda Mobilio, Renault Kwid followed by Chevrolet Beat failed miserably with zero stars for both child and adult occupants the NCAP (New car Assessment Programme for Latin America). This is not for the first time that India bound cars have performed poorly in Crash tests, the same situation took place in 2014 when global NCAP assessed cluster of India-made cars.
It comes as a shock for both brand and its loyalists and this news might dent brand’s reputation. Made in India beat (Spark GT in International markets) is very popular in Mexican and Cambodian markets. Manufactured in Chevrolet’s Talegaon plant, Maharashtra, the beat/Spark is exported to Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Latin America, Mexico and Caribbean countries.
Back in 2009, six airbags equipped Chevrolet Beat scored four Stars in European Crash tests. This time the variant tested was the entry level classic trim that doesn’t feature even a single airbag and led to zero ratings in Child and Adult protection segment. However, foot well area and body shell integrity were comparatively stable. In India, Chevrolet doesn’t offer ABS or airbags on LS and PS grades, LT variant while the top spec LTZ trim come with dual front airbags.
Side impact test was not conducted as the car already scored a zero in frontal crash test while absence of child restraint system was one of the major concerns for the child safety. Historically, India bound cars are not known for its quality and safety, this latest NCAP test results again created uproar and eyebrows in the Indian automotive industry.
Besides, Honda Mobilio non airbag variant scored zero while dual front airbag equipped trim scored two stars in the tests. India made Renault Kwid scored 1 star rating Latin NCAP crash test. These results clearly showing the importance of airbags and to what extent car manufactures in India are not bothered about it.
