Five Small Indian Cars Flunk NCAP Crash Tests

Five popular small vehicles in India each scored zero stars out of a possible five in the latest crash tests by Global NCAP.

NCAP, which promotes at least minimal safety protection for cars in any market, says the cars all lack enough structural integrity to shield occupants from harm—even when the vehicle is equipped with frontal airbags.

The five deficient models are the Renault Kwid small crossover, Maruti Suzuki Celerio city car and Eeco mini-MPV, Hyundai Eon mini-hatch and Mahindra & Mahindra’s Scorpio small SUV.

NCAP chides Renault n particular for offering the Kwid with such a flimsy structure. “No manufacturer anywhere in the world should be developing new models that are so clearly substandard,” the agency declares.

Cars sold in India frequently score poorly in NCAP tests because of the country’s minimal safety requirements. The government has mandated its first front and side impact crash tests, effective in October 2017. But NCAP notes that legislative action will be required to ensure minimal levels of protection for occupants recommended by the United Nations.