Bharat NCAP To Commence Crash Testing From December 15, Tata SUVs Likely To Be Tested First

• Recently launched 2023 Tata Harrier and Tata Safari facelift will be part of initial crash tests

• Carmakers like Renault, Skoda and Volkswagen have not nominated any models for crash tests yet

• Every car will undergo five crucial tests including frontal impact, side impact, and side pole impact test

• In future, Bharat NCAP will also include rear crash impact protection test for evaluation

India’s own car assessment program, known as Bharat NCAP (BNCAP), was officially introduced in late August 2023. Although the initial announcement mentioned a formal launch date of October 1, recent reports suggest that Bharat NCAP will commence crash-testing cars from December 15.

Details On Tested Car Models

Reportedly, Bharat NCAP plans to subject more than a handful of cars to crash tests. While the specific list of cars to be tested remains undisclosed, it has been confirmed that the recently launched Tata Harrier and Safari facelifts will be part of the initial models to be crash tested.

Bharat NCAP will also conduct crash tests on 3 models from Maruti, 3 from Hyundai, and 4 from Mahindra. 

That said, select global carmakers such as Renault, Skoda, and Volkswagen have not yet nominated any models for these tests. Fair point because most of their models, especially Skoda and VW, have already nailed a five-star safety rating from Global NCAP’s revised crash test norms. 

Testing Criteria

Bharat NCAP's testing criteria closely aligns with those of the norms set by Global NCAP. The organization will use 3 units of the base variant of the cars nominated for the tests and every car will undergo 5 crucial tests, including frontal impact, side impact, side pole impact, evaluation of electronic stability control, and compliance with pedestrian-friendly front designs. 

The results of these assessments will determine the car's scores for adult occupant protection and child occupant protection. To know more about Bharat NCAP’s testing parameters, click here.

The Indian government intends to continue revising testing standards, and in the near future, Bharat NCAP will incorporate a rear crash impact protection test into its evaluation criteria. It also plans to require certain advanced driver assistance systems features such as lane departure warning, brake assist, and autonomous emergency braking, for a more complete and better safety rating.

Share your thoughts in comments on which cars you'd like to see tested by Bharat NCAP first.