Latest GNCAP Safety Report Out, Kia Carens Scores Low While Mahindra XUV700 Shines

Global NCAP crash tests the Kia Carens under the #SaferCarsForIndia program; Mahindra XUV700 bags “Safer Choice” Award

As part of the #SaferCarsForIndia campaign, the Global New Car Assessment Program (GNCAP) recently crash-tested the Kia Carens to determine its safety standards. Tests were conducted using the base variant to see the overall stability of the model. Alongside the crash test, the company also awarded Mahindra XUV700 the “Safer Choice” Award for being the safest car in India.

Kia Carens: 3 Star Global NCAP Rating

The KIA MPV underwent frontal offset and side protection tests where it managed to achieve 9.30 points out of 17 for adult occupant protection and 30.99 points out of 49 for child occupant protection. These numbers translated into a final score of 3 Stars as the Safety Rating.

The testing agency rated the four-wheeler’s body shell integrity as unstable and not capable of withstanding further loads. The organisation also noted that the protection offered to the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck was good. While the protection for the driver’s chest and front passenger’s knees were average. It recognised that dangerous structures behind the dashboard supported by the trans-fascia tube could offer more impact to the passengers at higher speeds.

For child occupant protection test, the child seat for a 3-year-old was installed FWF with ISOFIX mounts and top tether. Despite this, the car was not able to offer adequate protection to the head and chest of the child.

Mahindra XUV700 wins the Global NCAP “Safer Choice” Award

GNCAP also awarded the Mahindra XUV700 the “Safer Choice” Award and judged the four-wheeler as the safest car in India. The SUV was crash tested by the body in November last year and it scored an overall 5 Star Rating.

To qualify for the award, a vehicle will have to score 5 Stars for Adult and 4 Stars for Child Safety Ratings in accordance with the latest version of the Global NCAP’s test protocol. All qualified vehicles must offer Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and meet Pedestrian Protection requirements.

The XUV700 scored 5 Stars in Adult Occupant Protection and 4 Stars for Child Occupant Protection. It comes loaded with best-in-class safety tech like 7 airbags, TPMS, electronic parking brake, blind view monitoring system, driver drowsiness detection, ESC and ADAS functions among others. The XUV700 is the second car from the Mahindra stable to win this award, after the XUV300 which won it back in 2020.

The Tata Nexon, Tata Altroz, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Punch and Mahindra XUV700 are the safest cars in the Indian market with 5 Star Global NCAP Crash Test Ratings.