Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) is back in action! The latest set of crash-test results includes three popular cars in India – the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and the Kia Seltos. Under #SaferCarsForIndia campaign, Global NCAP only tests frontal crash protection for occupants. Indian cars are not put through the side-impact and pedestrian protection tests. The entry-level variant of each of those models was selected, which forms the basis for an interesting study. Why? All three cars, even in their base derivatives, meet the minimum safety regulations set by the Indian government. The question – have the authorities been too lenient on the safety front? Well, the crash-test results deliver a decisive answer.

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

Here’s the video:

The S-Presso’s standard safety kit includes a front airbag for the driver, seatbelt restraints and a four-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Based on how it performed, Global NCAP awarded the hatchback zero stars for adult occupants and two stars for child occupants. The snapshot of the report below shows what level of protection did it provide to the front passengers.

As you can see, only a few sections received good or adequate protection. The remaining testing points point at marginal, weak or poor safety. The result? The car scored zero points out of a possible seventeen. The crash-testing body rated the bodyshell of the S-Presso as unstable as it wasn’t capable of withstanding further loadings. Even the footwell section was rated the same. As for child occupants, the hatchback was not able to prevent excessive forward movement during the impact for the elder dummy. The replica of an 18-month-old child received poor protection for the head as it was exposed. Even the chest was vulnerable.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Video first:

The specimen tested had front seatbelt pretensioners, dual airbags, seatbelt restraints and a four-channel ABS. Because of some extra safety features, the hatchback bagged a two-star rating for adult occupants and as many for child occupants. Here’s the crash-test report snapshot:

For adult occupants, Global NCAP awarded the Nios 7.05 points on a scale of 17. The overall score for child occupants safety was 15 out of a possible 49. In the snapshot, you can see that there’s more green (good) and yellow (adequate) and marginal sections. And, there are no red-coloured (poor) testing points. Even so, the bodyshell, as well as the footwell section, were rated unstable. In the case of the elder child dummy, the car couldn’t stop excessive forward movement during the impact. The younger one received good and fair protection for the head and chest, respectively. Weirdly, Hyundai refused to recommend the CRSs (Child Restraints System).

Kia Seltos

Check out the crash-test video:

The relevant list of safety features included the same set as the Hyundai above. Global NCAP awarded the compact SUV with three stars for adult occupants and two for child occupants. The report’s snapshot paints quite a picture:

Out of a possible 17, the Seltos scored 8.03 points for adult occupant safety. As for the child occupants, it recorded the same score as the Nios did. And yes, the Seltos’ bodyshell and the footwell section were also rated as unstable for the same reason – unable to withstand further loading. As for the child occupants, the elder one received good and poor protection to the chest and head, respectively. The younger one’s head was coloured green, and the chest was protected.

So, there you have it. None of the three cars hasn’t pushed the envelope in the right direction. The reports also help raise another important question – how high is occupant safety for the masses in their list of priorities, while buying a car? In other words, shouldn’t they pay more attention to these scores before zeroing down on a vehicle?