India’s automobile industry has taken a major step toward prioritizing driver and passenger safety with the release of the Bharat NCAP Safety Rating 2025. Modeled after the Global NCAP, the Bharat NCAP crash test ratings have quickly become the gold standard for assessing how well cars protect their occupants during accidents.
In this newly published list, several surprises emerged — both in terms of top performers and cars that lagged behind. Whether you’re planning to buy a new car or just want to understand which vehicles are leading the safety revolution, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Bharat NCAP? A Quick Refresher
The Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP) is India’s official car safety rating system, designed to inform consumers about the crashworthiness of cars sold in the country.
Here’s what it assesses:
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Adult occupant protection (frontal and side impact tests)
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Child occupant safety
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Crashworthiness through rigorous car crash tests
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Safety assist features like airbags, seatbelt reminders, ABS, ESC, etc.
The cars are given star ratings (out of 5) based on their safety score in both adult and child protection categories.
Top Rated Cars in Bharat NCAP 2025
Several models earned high praise for excelling in the car crash tests and achieving stellar safety scores. These cars scored high for adult and child protection and came with robust safety tech.
Best Performing Cars (5-Star Safety Score)
| Car Model | Adult Safety Score | Child Safety Score | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Harrier | 30.08 / 32 | 44.54 / 49 | 5 Stars |
| Tata Safari | 30.08 / 32 | 44.54 / 49 | 5 Stars |
| Volkswagen Virtus | 29.71 / 32 | 42 / 49 | 5 Stars |
| Skoda Slavia | 29.71 / 32 | 42 / 49 | 5 Stars |
Why They Excelled:
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Equipped with 6 airbags
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Excellent structural integrity in crash tests
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Strong child seat anchorage system (ISOFIX)
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Standard ESC, ABS, and seatbelt reminders
Lowest Rated Cars: A Wake-Up Call
Unfortunately, some cars underperformed significantly, raising concerns over occupant protection in real-world accidents.
Poor Performing Cars (2 Stars or Below)
| Car Model | Adult Safety Score | Child Safety Score | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Eeco | 20.45 / 32 | 30 / 49 | 2 Stars |
| Renault Kwid | 21 / 32 | 28 / 49 | 2 Stars |
Common Safety Gaps:
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Lack of standard airbags
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Weak structural integrity in frontal impact tests
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Limited child restraint systems
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Missing features like ESC and seatbelt pre-tensioners
How Are These Ratings Decided?
The Bharat NCAP conducts a comprehensive car crash test using crash dummies and assesses the extent of injuries to the occupants. The tests include:
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Frontal offset crash test at 64 km/h
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Side impact test
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Child dummy protection score
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Evaluation of built-in safety assist features
Each test contributes to the car’s final safety score which translates into a star rating.
Why Bharat NCAP Ratings Matter to You
Knowing the Bharat NCAP Safety Rating of a car can literally be the difference between life and death in a crash.
Key Reasons to Prioritize High-Rated Cars:
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Enhanced protection during collisions
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Better equipped with modern safety tech
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Higher resale value due to safety reputation
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Lower insurance premiums in many cases
If you’re choosing between style and safety, always choose the car that protects your life.
At a Glance: Bharat NCAP 2025 Summary
| Category | Top Performer | Low Performer |
|---|---|---|
| Best Safety Score | Tata Harrier, Safari | Maruti Eeco, Renault Kwid |
| Best Family Car | Skoda Slavia | — |
| Best Sedan | VW Virtus | — |
| Worst Safety Rating | — | Maruti Suzuki Eeco |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the full form of Bharat NCAP?
Bharat NCAP stands for Bharat New Car Assessment Program, a safety rating system that tests the crashworthiness of cars sold in India.
2. How are Bharat NCAP safety ratings calculated?
Ratings are determined based on the results of car crash tests, which simulate real-world frontal and side impacts, and measure the injury risk to adult and child dummies.
3. Why do some cars receive low ratings even if they look modern?
A car’s outer appearance doesn’t reflect its structural integrity. Many low-rated cars skip essential features like side airbags, ESC, and child seat anchors to cut costs.
4. Should I only buy 5-star rated cars?
While 5-star cars offer top-level protection, even a 4-star car with adequate safety features and proper driving habits can be a safe choice. However, avoid vehicles with ratings of 2 stars or below, especially for family use.
Final Thoughts:
The release of the Bharat NCAP 2025 safety ratings sends a strong message — safety should never be optional. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, make sure to check the Bharat NCAP safety score before making your decision.
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