Safest cars and SUVs under Rs 10 lakh: Tata Tiago to Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Buying a safe car is a top priority for many Indian car buyers, particularly those seeking family vehicles. Safe cars offer peace of mind and better protection for occupants, and in some cases, reduce the risk to other road users during accidents, depending on pedestrian safety features. The Indian car industry has also made significant strides in safety in recent years, with the government mandating standard safety features and buyers recognizing the importance of safe vehicles.Global NCAP’s ‘Safer Cars for India’ campaign has been instrumental in raising awareness among manufacturers and customers. In this article, let’s take a look at the safest cars and SUVs as per GNCAP under Rs 10 lakh.
1. Tata Punch
First on the list is the Tata Punch priced from Rs 6.1 lakh (ex-showroom). Tata Motors has ensured that even this micro-SUV meets higher safety standards. The Tata Punch has scored a 5-star rating in the Adult protection category, it scored an impressive 16.45 out of the maximum 17 points. The vehicle also impressed in the Child protection category with a 4-star rating of 40.89 out of the maximum 49 points.

Safety features in the Tata Punch include dual airbags, ABS, EBD, brake sway control, low-traction mode, seatbelt reminder, high-speed alert, rear parking sensors and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
2. Tata Nexon facelift
Second on the list is Tata Nexon facelift priced from Rs 8.15 lakh (ex-showroom). The new Tata Nexon facelift has received 32.22 points out of 34 and 44.52 points out of 49, for adult and child occupancy protection, respectively. GNCAP says that in the front impact, the Nexon facelift offered good protection to the head and neck. Driver’s and passenger’s chest showed adequate protection while knees showed good protection. The Footwell area was rated as stable and the body’s heel was rated stable and it is capable of withstanding further loadings.

In child occupancy protection, 3-year-old and 18-month-old dummies were placed. GNCAP said that the Nexon provided almost full protection in the front impact tests, and offer full side impact protection.
3. Tata Altroz
Another Tata on the list is the Tata Altroz hatchback priced from Rs 6.7 lakh (ex-showroom). The Tata Altroz has scored a 5-star rating in the Adult protection category, it scored an impressive 16.13 out of the maximum 17 points. The Altroz didn’t score as well on child occupant protection, securing three stars (29/49). Safety features include two airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, rear camera, seat-belt reminders for the front seats and Isofix child-seat mounts.

4. Mahindra XUV 300
Next on the list is Mahindra XUV 300. The SUV has scored a 5-star crash test rating for adult occupant protection, scoring 16.42 points out of the maximum 17. Meanwhile, the child occupant protection was rated at 4 stars with a score of 37.44/49. Mahindra is soon launching the facelifted XUV 300 called XUV 3XO. The new 3XO will get different styling, additional features and improved dynamics but will be based on the same platform so we expect the 3XO to receive similar crash test results.

5. Renault Triber and Kiger
The next set of cars on the list is the Renault Triber MPV priced from Rs 6 lakh and the Kiger SUV priced from Rs 6.5 lakh (both prices Ex-showroom). The Triber MPV has scored a 4-star safety rating for adult occupant safety and a 3-star for child occupant safety from Global NCAP. The Kiger has scored four stars for adult occupant protection and two stars each for child occupant protection.

6. Nissan Magnite
Next on the list is the Nissan Magnite SUV priced from Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom). The Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger are based on the same platform but the Kiger scored slightly higher in the adult occupant protection test whereas the Magnite scored marginally better in the child occupant protection test. The Magnite received a 4-star rating in the adult occupant protection test, scoring 11.85 points out of a possible 17. In the child occupant protection test, it received a 2-star rating, scoring 24.88 points out of a possible 49.

7. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Hyundai Exter
The next set of cars on the list is the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Hyndai Exter. Both cars have not been crash tested by GNCAP or any other organisation but they get many safety features such as six airbags, ESC, ISOFIX mounts, hill hold assist, three-point seatbelt and remainder for all seats and much more standard across all variants.