New Delhi: For prospective car buyers in India, prioritizing family safety is becoming increasingly crucial. However, recent findings from Global NCAP reveal concerning safety ratings among the top-selling cars in the country. Among the five best-selling cars, only one has received a 5-star rating for crash test safety.Maruti WagonRLeading the sales charts from April to February of the financial year 2023-24, Maruti WagonR has garnered significant popularity with 1,83,810 units sold. Despite its sales success, the Global NCAP awarded Maruti WagonR a meager 1-star safety rating in crash tests, signaling safety concerns for potential buyers.Maruti BalenoSecuring the second position in sales during the same period with 1,80,018 units sold, Maruti Suzuki Balenos safety performance remains undisclosed as the company has yet to subject it to Global NCAP crash tests. However, plans to send Maruti Suzuki Baleno for testing under India NCAP suggest a proactive approach towards safety evaluation.Maruti SwiftWith 1,79,593 units sold, Maruti Suzuki Swift dominated the sales charts. Despite its commercial success, the Swift received only a 1-star safety rating from Global NCAP in crash tests, highlighting potential safety deficiencies.Tata NexonTata Motors flagship model, the Nexon, emerged as a safety standout among the top-selling cars. Recording sales of 1,57,639 units, the Tata Nexon earned a commendable 5-star safety rating in crash tests conducted by Global NCAP, reaffirming its commitment to passenger safety.Maruti BrezzaRounding up the top five best-selling cars, Maruti Suzuki Brezza achieved sales of 1,55,283 units during the reporting period. While the Brezza maintains commercial success, Global NCAP awarded it a respectable 4-star safety rating in crash tests, indicating satisfactory safety performance.While the Indian automotive market witnesses robust sales figures for these top-selling cars, safety remains a critical consideration for consumers. The disparity in safety ratings underscores the necessity for greater emphasis on vehicle safety standards and regulations. Prospective car buyers are encouraged to prioritize safety features and opt for models that prioritize passenger well-being.
