In August 2018, Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) crash-tested the Tata Nexon. That became the first made-in- and made-for-India car to achieve five-star safety for adult occupants. Now, we’ve got a report on how the upcoming Tata Altroz has fared in crash tests. On the face of it, the hatchback has received the same result as the Nexon did – five-star safety for adult and three-star protection for child occupants. Here’s the video:

When you dig a bit deeper, you notice one thing – the ALFA platform that underpins the Altroz has helped it score better overall safety points. Out of a possible 17 points, the Altroz scored 16.13 for adult occupants (Nexon scored 16.06). Similarly, the hatch bagged 29 points out of 49 for child occupants (Nexon scored 25). Before you wonder, both models went through the same set of crash tests under the same controlled conditions.

The Altroz test mule packed some safety features such as dual airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, ISOFIX anchorages, four-channel ABS and seatbelt reminder for front occupants. Thanks to them, the protection offered to the driver’s and the front passenger’s head as well as neck was good. Their chest received adequate protection, while their knees got good protection. Global NCAP says that the car’s bodyshell remained stable and that it could withstand further loadings. Even the footwell area received a stable rating.

Following the standard practice, Global NCAP used two child dummies (3-year-old and 18 months old) for the rear seat. For the more aged child’s booster seat, the ISOFIX and top tether points prevented excessive forward movement during the impact. What worked against the Altroz was the unlatching of the backrest of the rear seat. The dummy’s head came in contact with the interior of the car and that resulted in more points deduction. As for the younger model, the car provided good protection.

Tata Motors, it seems, wants to set an example for more prominent mass-market players in India. We’re yet to receive crash-test results for models like the Harrier. But considering how well the Altroz has performed, it is safe to assume that the SUV could very well become the third Tata model to receive five-star safety rating for adults.