Indians have always been cash conscious when it comes to buying automobiles. However, in roughly the last 5 years, the opinion of the consumers has shifted from mileage to safety. People now prefer the safety rating of the vehicles as their priority. with new generation safety features, high tensile strength body, and overall safety cars, there are a lot more safe cars in the Indian market. With the growing choice, it becomes difficult to choose the best option, with each car having their own safety strengths and weaknesses.
Here’s a look at some of the safer compact SUVs currently in the market
Here’s a look at some of the safer compact SUVs currently in the market
| Car Name | GNCAP Safety Rating | Price range (in rupees) |
| Tata Nexon | 5 star | Rs 7.79 – Rs 14.99 lakh |
| Tata Punch | 5 star | Rs 6.00 – Rs 10.00 lakh |
| Nissan Magnite | 4 star | Rs. 6.00 – Rs. 10.86 lakh |
| Renault Kiger | 4 star | Rs. 6.50 – Rs. 11.05 lakh |
| Mahindra XUV300 | 5 star | Rs. 8.41 – Rs. 13.25 lakh |
| Mahindra Thar | 4 star | Rs. 10.55 – Rs. 16.78 lakh |
Tata Nexon
The Tata Nexon is a car that offers both style and safety. This compact SUV is rated as one of the safest cars in India, with an official Global NCAP rating of 5 stars for adult passengers and 3 stars for children. The Nexon has a robust body structure designed specifically to absorb and distribute the impact forces observed during a collision. It also features a high strength steel frame that protects the passengers from front, side, and rear collisions. Aside from that, the car also has multiple active and passive safety features such as dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, seat belt pretensioners, electronic stability program (ESP), anti lock braking (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), corner stability control (CSC), and hill hold control (HHC) to name a few.
Tata Nexon Key Specs:
- Engine: 1.2-litre (Turbocharged Petrol), 1.5-litre (Turbocharged Diesel),
- Power: up to 118 bhp
- Transmission: 6-speed Manual, 6-speed AMT
- Fuel Efficiency: 17.05 kmpl to 24.07 kmpl
- Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 5
- No. of airbags: 2
Tata Punch
The Punch was once rated as the safest car in India when launched. Tata is serious about safety, and the Tata Punch has an official Global NCAP rating of 5 stars for adult passengers and 4 stars for children. The Tata Punch is based on the Agile Light Flexible Advanced Architecture (ALFA-ARC) platform, which is the same found in the Altroz and has the same purpose, to absorb and distribute the impact forces observed during a collision, while making sure that the occupants remain safe. The car also has a high-strength steel body which improves its rigidity and durability.
Tata Punch Key Specs:
- Engine: 1199 cc
- Power: up to 84 bhp
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual, 5-speed AMT
- Fuel Efficiency: 18.1 kmpl to 21 kmpl
- Fuel Type: Petrol, CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- No. of airbags: 2
Nissan Magnite
After being almost non-existent in the Indian automotive market for so long, Nisaan had a taste of their old glory after the release of the Magnite. This compact SUV features robust looks and has a lot of practical design elements. The cabin is spacious with an amazing ride quality. The Nissan Magnite has an impressive Global NCAP rating of 4 stars for adult passengers and 2 stars for children and has a lot of well thought of features, one being the anti-theft engine immobilizer. The Magnite also has a few rare and unique features in its segment as well as the Indian market such as the Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), standard across the variants. Also, these features are standard across all variants.
Nissan Magnite Key Specs:
- Engine: 1.0-litre, 1.2-litre
- Power: up to 98.6 bhp
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, CVT and a 6-speed AMT
Fuel Efficiency: 17.4 kmpl to 20 kmpl - Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- No. of airbags: 2
Renault Kiger
Sharing the same platform as that of the Renault Kwid, the Kiger in a way, is Kwid’s elder and bigger brother having an unique and attractive design. The car is smart and sporty, combining comfort and safety in a stylish package. The Kiger has a Global NCAP rating of 4 stars for adult passengers and 2 stars for children, meaning that it provides the best protection to its occupants in case of a crash. Featuring a plethora of safety, the car is not only stylish and spacious, but also a safe and secure one.
Renault Kiger Car Specifications
- Engine: 999 cc petrol
- Power: up to 98.6 bhp
- Transmission: automatic (AMT, CVT), manual
- Mileage: 18.2 km/l to 20.5 km/l
- Airbags: 4
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- No. of airbags: 4
Mahindra XUV 300
The Mahindra XUV300, like all other Mahindra cars, is a tough and robust compact SUV. Boasting a Global NCAP rating of 5 stars for adult passengers and 4 stars for children, it proves that the car can protect the passengers in case of a serious crash. The car has a strong body that can absorb impact forces and protect the passengers. The car also has a high ground clearance, which helps you tackle rough roads and speed breakers. The XUV 300 also has a disc brake on all four wheels, which is a first in class feature.
The Mahindra XUV 300 has an official.
Mahindra XUV300 Key Specs:
- Engine: 1497 cc diesel engine, 1197 cc mStallion engine, 1197 cc turbocharged petrol engine
- Power: up to 129.73 bhp
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed AMT
- Mileage: 16.5 kmpl (petrol) to 20 kmpl (diesel)
- Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 5
- No. of airbags: 6
Mahindra Thar
The Mahindra Thar is best known as an offroading SUV meant to dominate roads with its bulky road presence. However, it proves to be excellent in keeping passengers safe at all times. With a 4-star safety rating for both adults and children from Global NCAP, in its standard two airbag variant. The safety kit on offer is adequate with ABS, EBD, hill descent control, and traction control as standard.
Mahindra Thar Key Specs:
- Engine: 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engine or a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine
- Power: up to 13 bhp
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic
- Mileage: Petrol – 13.75 kmpl (MT), 13.0 kmpl (AT); Diesel – 14.0 kmpl (MT), 13.0 kmpl (AT)
- Fuel Type: Petrol or diesel
- Seating Capacity: 4 or 6 (depending on variant)
- No. of airbags: 2
Summary
These were some of the best safe compact SUVs that are up for sale in India currently. All of these cars possess similar safety features, some offering more than the others. Do keep in mind that safety is not only determined by the safety features and the safety rating of the car, but also by the way you drive the car. So, following traffic laws, driving safely, wearing seatbelts, and avoiding distractions go a long way and could possibly save yours and your loved ones lives.
FAQs
What safety features are in the base model of Renault Kiger?
The safety features available in the base variant, RXE of Renault Kiger are dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors.
How many airbags does the Nissan Magnite have?
The Nissan Magnite has dual front airbags.
Does Nissan Magnite have an electronic parking brake?
No, the Nissan Magnite does not have an electronic parking brake.
Does Tata Punch have cruise control?
The Tata Punch offers Cruise Control in its accomplished and above variants.
What safety features do I get in the top variant of Renault Kiger?
The safety features available in the top variant, RXZ of Renault Kiger are six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and camera, and ISOFIX anchors.
