It was in August this year when Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) revealed the crash-test results of the Tata Nexon. Back then, the sub-4 metre SUV received four stars and three stars for as safety ratings for adult occupants and child occupants respectively. Now though, Global NCAP has released another crash-test report for the Tata Nexon, and the assessment body has upgraded the safety rating for adult occupants from four to five stars. The overall safety for child occupants remains the same as before.

The Tata Nexon has become the first made- and conceived-in-India car to achieve five stars in safety rating from Global NCAP. The said body has been running a campaign called #SaferCarsForIndia since 2014. Nearly 30 different car variants have been to the crash-testing lab and none, until now, have managed to achieve five stars in any form.

So, what did Tata do to gain extra points and achieve this feat? Before we get to that, let’s get some numbers in the equation to put things in perspective. In August 2018, the Tata Nexon received 13.56 points out of a possible 17. Back then, amongst its range of safety equipment, the SUV had a seatbelt reminder only for the driver. This time, Tata ungraded the system to feature a seatbelt reminder for both front occupants. The result? The overall score jumped to 16.06.

Surprisingly, under the same crash-testing procedure, the Tata Nexon provided good protection to the knees of the adult occupants, an upgrade from last time’s marginal protection. Apart from that, the head and neck for the front passengers received good protection too, just like last time.

Global NCAP reports that the bodyshell was rated as stable and it was capable of withstanding further loadings. The footwell area of the Tata Nexon was also rated as stable. The assessment body has categorically mentioned that this crash-test result is valid for units manufactured from December 7, 2018.