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Survey Shows Car Buyers Prioritize Safety Ratings and Airbags Over Fuel Economy


A recent survey conducted among Indian car buyers reveals that 9 out of 10 consumers value crash test safety ratings for all car models.

Skoda Kushaq Crash Test

Skoda Auto India partnered with NIQ BASES to conduct a customer survey on feature preferences in personal car selection. The results highlight the growing importance of vehicle safety ratings and features in car buying decisions.

Mahindra Scorpio N Global NCAP

The survey, consisting of 1,000 respondents from 10 states, asked participants to prioritize the top features they consider when buying a new car from a list of 10 options. According to the results, the highest importance score was given to the car’s crash test rating (22.7 percent), followed by the number of airbags (21.6 percent), and then fuel efficiency (15 percent). Other features included in the survey were roof type, ventilated or non-ventilated seats, electronic stability control, build quality, transmission type, body type, and performance and dynamics.

Including the preference for electronic stability control, 47.6 percent of respondents prioritized safety features above other factors in their car buying decision.

Also Read: How Big Is The Honda Elevate When Compared To Its Compact SUV Rivals?

According to the survey, around 22.2 percent of buyers preferred a car with a five-star safety rating, while only 6.8 percent were willing to opt for a zero-star rated car. Currently, there are eight cars with strong five-star safety ratings from Global NCAP:

  1. Volkswagen Virtus / Skoda Slavia

  2. Volkswagen Taigun / Skoda Kushaq

  3. Mahindra XUV700

  4. Mahindra Scorpio N

  5. Tata Punch

  6. Tata Altroz

  7. Tata Nexon

  8. Mahindra XUV300

In addition, there are over 10 cars that have scored four stars in GNCAP crash tests, indicating that many manufacturers are actively working towards building safer cars and prioritizing passenger safety in the event of an accident.

The Indian government is also encouraging manufacturers to produce safer and more robust vehicles. Over the years, regulations have been implemented mandating features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, seat belt reminders, speed alert systems, and rear parking sensors in all vehicles. Additionally, efforts are underway to establish a localized crash test rating system named Bharat NCAP, as an alternative to the Global NCAP. While these safety measures may increase the cost of cars, they are considered worthwhile investments.

Read More on : Slavia on road price

Cars

Ranking of Major Car Battery Brands, from Worst to Best

Walmart’s store brand, Everstart, is known for its affordability in the lead-acid battery varieties. However, some buyers have reported issues with reliability and short lifespan. Nevertheless, Everstart has received positive reviews on Walmart’s website and offers a wide range of battery sizes.

Everstart’s Value line is designed to be a very low-cost battery that can get the job done in an emergency. The cold cranking amps may be lower compared to other batteries, for example, the Everstart Value Group 65 is rated at 650 CCA compared to the Maxx’s 850. Additionally, the warranty for the Value line is only for one year. However, most stores and online retailers offer a variety of group sizes for this line. If cost is the main concern, Everstart Value batteries are priced below a hundred dollars for most group sizes.

The Everstart Maxx battery is considered a good compromise between performance and price. It offers good value for the money spent. One notable advantage of the Everstart Maxx is its three-year warranty, which adds to its overall value. This warranty can be especially beneficial for those who live near a Walmart store, as exchanging a failed battery is as simple as visiting the store with the battery core and a receipt. However, this option only works if there is an Auto Center on-site to test the battery.

While Everstart does offer an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) option, it is worth noting that most other brands on this list offer better alternatives at a similar price point.