Understanding New Car Assessment Program NCAP: Ensuring Safety on the Roads
The New Car Assessment Program is an initiative of extreme importance to assess the safety standards of a vehicle. NCAP was created to provide consumers with an independent assessment of new cars on their safety performance. This includes severe tests with regard to crashworthiness, among other factors on the safety features of a vehicle, basically on how well it can protect occupants under different conditions. The program was started in 1979 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, United States, but has since swept across the face of the earth through the establishment of various regional NCAPs.
Global New Car Assessment Program 2024
Global NCAP was established in 2011 as an umbrella organization at the global level to support regional NCAPs. Some of the goals include the universal adoption of front and side-impact crash tests, pedestrian protection protocols, and electronic stability control as part of the standard safety measures. Global NCAP has a very key role in advocating for better vehicle safety standards, especially in developing countries where road safety regulations are not that very strong.
Who Launched The Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP)?
The Bharat New Car Assessment Program was rolled out in India to test the safety standards of vehicles in the Indian markets. Adopted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in cooperation with the Automotive Research Association of India, Bharat NCAP seeks to improve safety standards between vehicles offered in the Indian market. It encourages improvement in the structural integrity of vehicles and fitting of advanced safety features, thereby reducing fatalities and injuries on Indian roads.
Top 12 Best New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) Rated Cars of 2024: Detailed Overview
1. Tata Harrier
Tata Harrier is one of the most popular SUVs in India, holding a five-star safety rating by Global NCAP. The car is designed ruggedly and gets a package of features. It bases on the OMEGARC platform, which has been taken from the Land Rover’s D8 architecture. The engine fitted is a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel that produces 170 horsepower. Safety is covered with six airbags, an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and ISOFIX child seat anchors. It will also have Hill Hold Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to ensure one becomes further confident with his driving skills.
The exterior of the Harrier is aggressive, wearing a large grille at the front, and swooping LED headlights. The cabin space is roomy, with elite materials and an infotainment system with a large touchscreen display. Also, a panoramic sunroof. Thus, on parameters such as build quality and safety features, this SUV makes for an excellent choice when it comes to a safe yet stylish car. Hence, its one of the top 12 Best NCAP Rated Cars of 2024
2. Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an advanced-featured, fully electric sedan that combines advanced design with leading safety technology. It features the highest safety rating because of superior crashworthiness and driver assistance features. This will be powered by a 77.4-kWh battery pack, permitting it to cover a range of up to 361 miles on one single charge. It enables ultrafast charging, where a 350 kW charger will take only 18 minutes to reach 80%.
The Ioniq 6 comes with a Hyundai SmartSense suite that encompasses features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. Its design is very sleek with aero-efficiency; drag coefficient ratings as low as 0.21 enhance efficiency and aesthetics. On the inside, it is roomy and spacious with a commitment to sustainability that includes eco-friendly cabin material usage.
3. Volkswagen Virtus
It represents a premium mid-size sedan by Volkswagen, and this would be great in ensuring excellent proficiency in safety and performance. It has taken a five-star rating in both adult and child occupant protection, thanks to its solid build and overall safety features. The Virtus is run by a 1.5-liter TSI engine producing 150 horsepower mated with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG transmission system.
Safety features in the Virtus include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, and Multi-Collision Braking. It also comes with advanced parking facilities with a Park Distance Control system and a rear-view camera. The Virtus, being spacious inside, is also an upmarket vehicle, equipped with a digital cockpit, an infotainment system with a touchscreen interface, and a premium sound system, which makes it a very alluring proposition for the safety-conscious buyer.Hence, its considered as one of the top 12 Best NCAP Rated Cars of 2024
4. Tata Safari
Tata Safari is a seven-seater SUV that has the same level of safety excellence that the Harrier received through a five-star rating by Global NCAP. Engine options and underpinnings are common to both the Harrier and this SUV, meaning that this gets all the strong inputs for its safety and performance. Safety-wise, the Safari is equipped with six airbags, traction control, hill descent control, and an Electronic Stability Program to ensure a safe drive for its passengers.
It has a modern and rugged design; a bold front grille; and LED projector headlamps. The cabin further gives a luxurious touch with captain seats in the middle row, a panoramic sunroof, and a touchscreen infotainment system. The Safari is hence a perfect choice for huge families or adventure-loving families owing to the perfect combination of safety, comfort, and style.
5. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a luxury sedan where sophistication and safety have a union. It receives a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and is packed with lots of safety tech to back that up. The C-Class gets a 9-speed automatic transmission twinned with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that pumps out 255 horses.
The latest driver assistance systems are used; Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Assist are equipped as standard. The view is further expanded by the adaptive high-beam assist and the 360-degree camera. Inside, there is a well-crafted cabin with exquisite materials, a digital instrument cluster, and the most modern infotainment systems to offer luxury on the go.
6. Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata has also become synonymous with safety and reliability by obtaining top safety ratings for its comprehensive set of features. It comes with a range of powerful engines are either a 2.5-liter GDI engine that produces 191 horsepower or a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine producing 180 horsepower. It provides smooth and efficient driving.
The top safety features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. It also has a Blind-Spot View Monitor that shows video from the blind spots on the instrument cluster. The interior space is large and pretty comfortable—features including a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and a Bose premium audio system help make this Sonata most handsome in safety and comfort.
7. Mazda 3
The Mazda3 is based on sporty performance and leading safety ratings. Available in sedan or hatchback guise, both versions come with the same 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G power unit producing 186 horsepower. The Mazda3 is agile, safe, and dynamic.
It also features Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart Break Support, and Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist as part of its regular safety features. It also has a Driver Attention Alert system and an Adaptive Front-Lighting System for added security. Inside, the premium cabin features an 8.8-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto integration – blending style with functionality.
8. Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 is a game changer in the world of electric crossovers—a sure bet you’ll find sitting at the top in safety and performance. It has a battery of 77.4 kWh, giving you up to 310 miles of range. The EV6 uses an ultra-fast charger that delivers 62 miles of range in 4.5 minutes.
The EV6 features the latest safety features like Highway Driving Assist 2, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist, which allows the car to self-park. It is designed to be futuristic and aerodynamic and has a roomy interior composed of a dual-curved display for both the instrument cluster and infotainment, which makes it stand out in innovations and in providing safety features.
9. BMW X5
The new BMW X5 is a luxury sports utility vehicle that liberates performance but not without exceptional safety features. The engine lineup in it includes a 3.0-liter inline-six and a 4.4-liter V8 for impressive power output and efficiency. The X5 promises a refined and dynamic drive.
It has active cruise control with Stop & Go, blind spot detection, and lane departure warning. The X5 also comes with Parking Assistant Plus and a Head-Up Display for ease of use. Inside, the X5 shows off a luxurious cabin that features high-quality materials, a sky lounge LED panoramic roof, and a Harman Kardon surround sound system, therefore making available a first-class drive experience.
10. Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular compact SUVs available in the market, with two core values: reliability and safety. It is powered by a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force engine generating 203 horsepower, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It moves without hardly hearing it and provides quite some mileage.
Safety features include the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 system with a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 also has a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The interior is versatile and spacious, with a power moonroof and available JBL premium audio. Summing up, the RAV4 is one great choice for safety and practicality.
11. Honda City
The Honda City has continuously been raising the bar in terms of safety and reliability. Boasting a 1.5L i-VTEC engine for 121 horsepower, the model ensures an amicable relationship between performance and economy. On the safety feature side are vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, and a multi-angle rearview camera.
The Honda City interior is all about comfort and convenience. It comes with an 8-inch advanced infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The one-touch electric sunroof makes it even more attractive. It has complete advanced features and ample cabin space — a lot more to be wanted by the car buyer for the sedan to be reliable and safe.
12. Subaru Outback
Subaru Outback is the all-purpose 4×4 crossover that takes extraordinary pride in terms of safety and flexibility—all thanks to its automatic 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine, boasting 182 horsepower. It is also offered with an available 2.4-liter, turbocharged engine for superior performance. Its symmetrical all-wheel drive system gives the car superior handling and stability.
Safety features for this vehicle include Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology which covers Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Lane Keep Assist. Outback also allows for a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, thus assuring safety during long journeys. Inside, it gets a spacious cabin with an 11.6-inch multimedia touchscreen and a premium audio system, making it just the right companion for intrepid explorers.
The listing of these 5-star NCAP-rated cars from 2024 testifies to the commitments of car manufacturers to increase vehicle safety. Given heightened awareness among consumers about safety features, manufacturers are striving to develop vehicles that can offer more protection to drivers and passengers.
