Tata Harrier & Safari Clinch GNCAP Safer Choice Awards, A First For Indian Cars

Published: Friday, September 6, 2024, 15:30 [IST]

Global NCAP (GNCAP) has awarded the Tata Harrier and Safari SUVs with the Safer Choice awards, marking them as the first Indian cars to receive this accolade since GNCAP's new testing protocol began in 2022. This award is the highest recognition given by the crash testing organisation, provided vehicles meet specific criteria.

The Harrier and Safari were crash tested by GNCAP in 2023 and both achieved a 5-star safety rating. Tata Motors has since submitted these models for additional tests to ensure compliance with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), speed assistance, and blind-spot detection system requirements.

GNCAP Safer Choice Award Requirements

According to GNCAP, the Safer Choice award is reserved for vehicles that demonstrate top-tier safety performance. To qualify, a vehicle must not only secure a 5-star safety rating for both child and adult occupants but also be equipped with an AEB system that works for car-to-car collisions as well as vulnerable road users. Additionally, it must meet UN regulatory standards.

The vehicle must also feature a speed assistance system and achieve full marks in Global NCAP's test criteria. Furthermore, a blind spot detection system should be available as an optional feature.

Tata Harrier, Safari Crash Test Ratings

In GNCAP's crash tests, the Harrier and Safari scored 33.05 out of 34 points for adult occupant protection and 45 out of 49 points for child occupant protection, earning them a 5-star rating. These scores are the highest ever recorded by any vehicle in a GNCAP crash test.

Global NCAP also observed that the body shell of both SUVs remained 'stable' during impact and could withstand further loadings. This stability is crucial for ensuring passenger safety in real-world scenarios.

Safety Features on Harrier and Safari

The Harrier and Safari come equipped with several advanced safety features. These include seven airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a 360-degree camera with blind view monitoring, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. The top-spec variants also offer an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite.

Both SUVs have also been tested under Bharat NCAP protocols, where they again received an impressive 5-star rating. This consistent performance across different testing standards highlights Tata Motors' commitment to vehicle safety.

David Ward, president of the Towards Zero Foundation, stated, "Tata Motors' continuing commitment to vehicle safety is very welcome and we are pleased to present the first of our new Safer Choice Awards to them for the Safari and Harrier."

This recognition underscores Tata Motors' dedication to enhancing vehicle safety standards in India. The company's proactive approach in submitting their vehicles for rigorous testing ensures that they meet global safety benchmarks.