GNCAP crash test: WagonR, Santro score two stars

The vehicles were found to be unstable on several parameters with exposure to different kind of injuries.

The tests were conducted after the new safety norms became mandatory, which includes anti-lock braking system, seat-belt reminders, speed alarms and a driver’s side airbag.

Maruti Suzuki’s hatchback WagonR and MPV Ertiga, along with Hyundai’s popular model Santro, performed poorly in the crash tests with full ratings, as per the latest results revealed by Global NCAP, the international vehicle safety accredition body.

The vehicles, including Datsun Redigo, were found to be unstable on several parameters with exposure

to different kind of injuries, raising questions over the reliability of Indian cars, especially the mass segment ones meant for middle class buyers.

While Ertiga got three stars for adult and child protection, the MPV’s bodyshell was rated borderline unstable, with the footwell region rated unstable, exposing front-seat occupants to foot injuries, according to the global new car assessment programme (GNCAP). “Its footwell area was rated as unstable and pedals displacement showed risks to the lower legs of the driver,” GNCAP said.

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The tests were conducted after the new safety norms became mandatory, which includes anti-lock braking system, seat-belt reminders, speed alarms and a driver’s side airbag. So far, only Tata Motors’ compact SUV Nexon has achieved a five-star rating.

The WagonR, which was recently upgraded by Maruti Suzuki, achieved two stars for adult and child occupant protection, with structure rated as unstable. —FE