A crash rating is the closest thing a buyer gets to an independent exam result for a car. India now has two programmes: Bharat NCAP (scores out of 32 for adults and 49 for children) and Global NCAP (out of 34 for adults and 49 for children). The two use different protocols, so their numbers should not be compared directly. Below are the cars under about Rs 10 lakh with published results, using the starting ex-showroom price of the model.
The Cars and Their Scores
| Model | Starting price | Bharat NCAP (adult / child) | Other rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Magnite | Rs 5.62 lakh | - | Global NCAP: 26.51 adult, 36 child (older test) |
| Maruti Dzire | Rs 6.84 lakh | 29.46 / 41.57 | Global NCAP: 31.24 / 39.20 |
| Tata Nexon | Rs 7.99 lakh | 29.41 / 43.83 | Global NCAP: 32.22 / 44.52 |
| Mahindra XUV 3XO | Rs 7.99 lakh | 29.36 / 43.00 | - |
| Skoda Kylaq | Rs 8.25 lakh | 30.88 / 45.00 | - |
| Kia Syros | Rs 9.50 lakh | 30.21 / 44.42 | - |
| Tata Punch EV | Rs 9.99 lakh | 31.46 / 45.00 | - |
| Tata Curvv | about Rs 10 lakh | 29.50 / 43.66 | - |
Prices vary by source and city; the Dzire, for example, is listed at both Rs 6.31 lakh and Rs 6.84 lakh in different places. Confirm with a dealer. Dzire and Nexon have been tested by both agencies.
A higher score on one test does not make a car safer than another in real life. What matters is that a car scored well on both adult and child protection and comes with stability control. Every car in this table clears that bar except the Magnite, whose rating is from an older, tougher-to-compare protocol.
How to Read a Crash Rating
- Adult and child scores are separate. A car can do well for adults and poorly for children, so check both.
- The test year matters. Protocols were tightened over time, and a 5-star result from years ago is not equal to one today.
- The tested variant matters. Ratings usually apply to the version with standard safety equipment, which may not be the cheapest trim.
- Stars do not cover everything. They do not measure repair cost, brake performance or how the car behaves on wet roads.
Which Features Matter Beyond the Stars
Look for six airbags, electronic stability control, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, a tyre pressure monitor and rear parking sensors or a camera. Several cars in this price band now offer them as standard, so there is little reason to settle for fewer.
Our Picks
- Best all-round: Tata Nexon. It is the only car here with 5 stars from both agencies and a long safety feature list.
- Best value: Maruti Dzire. It starts the lowest among the double-rated cars and comes with strong scores from both agencies.
- Highest adult score: Tata Punch EV (31.46 out of 32), though the price sits right at the Rs 10 lakh limit.
- Best child score: Skoda Kylaq and Punch EV, at 45 out of 49.
Compare these against each other in person: cabin space, seat comfort and service reach differ widely, and a safe car you do not enjoy driving is not much of a buy.