Despite the decrease security score, its footwell space and bodyshell have been deemed ‘stable’
The Honda Amaze scored 27.85 factors out of 34 in grownup occupant safety, leading to a 2-star score.
In little one occupant safety, it scored 8.58 out 49, therefore getting a zero-star security score.
Safety characteristic misses like digital stability management and aspect curtain airbags led to the low rating.
The Honda Amaze has not too long ago been crash-tested by the Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) once more, this time receiving poor security scores in each grownup occupant safety (AOP) and little one occupant safety (COP). Initially, the subcompact Honda sedan was crash-tested in 2019 (South Africa-spec) by the Global NCAP, the place it achieved a 4-star security score. However, this time, the Amaze underwent testing based on the up to date Global NCAP protocols. Let’s take a better take a look at its efficiency in every take a look at.
Disclaimer: Note that Global NCAP hasn’t examined the up to date model of the Amaze which now additionally will get seat belt reminders for all seats.
Protection
Adult Occupant Protection
Child Occupant Protection
Rating
2 stars
0 star
Score
27.85/34
8.58/49
Bodyshell Integrity
Stable
Adult Occupant Protection (27.85 factors out of 34)
Frontal Impact (64 kmph)
In the frontal influence crash take a look at, Honda’s subcompact sedan demonstrated ‘good’ safety for the pinnacle and neck of each the driving force and co-driver, in addition to ‘adequate’ chest safety for each occupants. However, the knees of each the driving force and the passenger confirmed ‘marginal’ safety, whereas their tibias confirmed ‘good’ safety.
Side Impact (50 kmph)
The head and pelvis obtained ‘good’ safety, whereas the chest confirmed ‘marginal’ safety and the stomach confirmed ‘adequate’ safety.
Side Pole Impact
This crash take a look at was not carried out resulting from unavailability of the aspect curtain airbags.
Child Occupant Protection (8.58 factors out of 49)
Frontal Impact (64 kmph)
For the 3-year-old little one dummy, the forward-facing little one seats had been put in utilizing the ISOFIX anchorages. Though extreme head harm was not noticed, nonetheless the pinnacle contacted the inside components of the car. In the case of the 18-month-old little one dummy, the kid seat was mounted dealing with rearward and it was unable to supply enough safety, therefore it will get zero factors on this take a look at.
Side Impact (50 kmph)
Both the kid restraint methods (CRS) managed to supply full safety through the aspect influence take a look at.
Body Shell Integrity & Footwell
Though the Honda Amaze will get poor scores in each AOP and COP, its bodyshell and footwell space have nonetheless been rated as steady. The bodyshell of the Amaze is able to withstanding additional loadings.
Safety Features Offered With The Amaze
The security options on the Honda Amaze embody twin entrance airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX little one seat anchors. It can be essential to notice that Global NCAP hasn’t examined the up to date model of the Amaze which now additionally will get seat belt reminders for all seats. What additional led to the low security scores for the Amaze is the absence of digital stability management (ESC) and aspect curtain airbags.
Commenting on the crash take a look at outcomes, Honda stated, “The South Africa-spec second-generation Amaze has already been examined as 4 star by GNCAP in 2019. The newest take a look at foundation new protocol exhibits that the overall rating is of 5-star degree. However, primarily because of the requirement of sure tools like digital stability management and aspect curtain airbags, it resulted in decrease score.
At Honda, our unwavering dedication to security is clear within the meticulous engineering of our merchandise, integrating superior energetic and passive security applied sciences throughout our complete mannequin vary. We are devoted to repeatedly work to reinforce our autos on all parameters of security and enhance them additional at mannequin change timing.”
Price Range
The Honda Amaze in India is priced between Rs 7.20 lakh and Rs 9.96 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It takes on the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura, and Tata Tigor.
The 2023 Acura Integra boasts a 5-star security ranking from NHTSA and gives superior security options as commonplace.
With a reliability ranking of 77/100, the Acura Integra ranks third in small premium vehicles for reliability in 2023.
There have been no reported widespread issues with the 2023 Acura Integra, making it a dependable and protected selection within the luxurious automotive market.
If you might be searching for a luxurious automotive that’s a good alternative to a new luxury BMW and can final a very long time or will likely be used as a household automotive, you might have already appeared into security scores, reliability scores, and customary issues of fashions from vehicles made by the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and, relying on funds, much more luxurious, like Bentley, Aston Martin, or Tesla.
But there could also be one auto-maker that you have not thought of. That is Acura. Acura is among the auto world’s leading designers and manufacturers of luxury cars, particularly luxurious sedans. If you’re looking at shopping for a virtually new luxurious automotive that brings you consolation, good miles per gallon, model, and all the trendy expertise that you may need, a 2023 Acura could possibly be price .
With a spread of fashions of their lineup that vary from crossover SUVs, SUVs, sports activities compacts, and sedans, every is luxurious and trendy. We have gathered data from a spread of sources to deliver you the widespread issues, reliability scores, and security scores of certainly one of Acura’s 2023 vehicles, the 2023 Acura Integra sports activities compact. We will go into element about what’s most definitely to go mistaken with the 2023 Acura Integra, how a lot it is going to price to repair, the security options, security scores, and the way dependable it’s.
In order to provide the most modern and correct data attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Acura’s web site and different authoritative sources, together with NHTSA, Car Edge, Repair Pal, Statista, and JD Power.
The 2023 Acura Integra is sort of the perfect entry stage luxurious automotive however with some lacking elements
2023 Acura Integra Safety Rating: 5 Stars
If you might be one of many 54% of Americans who prioritize safety when buying a new car, security scores and security options could also be one of many first stuff you have a look at when contemplating a automotive. The different, due to rising costs, if we have been to guess, could be; how gas-savvy your new car will likely be. We will cowl this later for the 2023 Acura Integra although.
Besides the luxurious commonplace features of the 2023 Acura Integra, akin to a crystal-clear central show, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Integra bespoke wheels, a innovative, and aggressive wanting physique design, imply and splendid wanting entrance grille, and a sleekly designed sprint and cabin, you do get numerous good security options as commonplace.
Boasting a security system that Acura calls AcuraWatch, the 2023 Acura Integra showcases a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) that detects any obstructions in your path and generates computerized braking energy that will help you keep away from a collision or scale back the pace a collision will happen at, lane departure warning and mitigation, pedestrian detection, and visitors signal help.
Other commonplace security options that the 2023 Acura is provided with are a blind-spot monitoring system and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (RCTM), which detects any autos or pedestrians from both facet when you’re reversing, and low-speed braking. As an non-obligatory further on the A-Spec trim with the expertise package deal, it’s also possible to have a low-speed braking management outfitted which capabilities as computerized braking at low speeds if there’s an obstruction in entrance of you.
2023 Acura Integra Recalls And Investigations
With the security options talked about, and with the highest crash take a look at outcomes carried out by the NHTSA, it’s no surprise the 2023 Acura Integra reached a 5-star general security ranking. It is up there with rivaling the safest electric cars on the market. But, it’s price noting that there’s at present one investigation and one recall for the 2023 Acura Integra.
The ongoing investigation (on the time of writing) is concerning momentary elevated steering effort which may result in over-compensation by the driving force and result in a crash. The recall is due to a ball valve within the stability help modulator which can leak brake fluid, which may end up in motion when the brake is engaged or an sudden enhance in brake pedal journey.
If you’re looking at shopping for a ’23 Integra, make it possible for each of those factors have been investigated on the mannequin you’re looking at. Any respectable dealership will make sure that that is finished, however it’s all the time price asking.
The reincarnated Integra is a sensible, well-equipped premium compact sedan that can provide its German rivals a run for his or her cash
2023 Acura Integra Reliability Rating: 77/100
Unsplash
The very first thing you need in a automotive is reliability. The very last thing you need is to your new automotive to be breaking down on a regular basis and also you to spend extra of your hard-earned cash within the storage as an alternative of out doing one thing enjoyable in your automotive.
Though the rating is taken into account common, for the mannequin 12 months 2023, the Acura Integra sits in third place for the general rating for small premium vehicles.
Above the Integra is the 2023 Audi A3, and in joint first place, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA and the 2023 BMW 2 Series. The reliability ranking for the Audi is 84/100, the Mercedes is 83/100, and the BMW scores 81/100. The Audi A3 was marked down for different factors although it scores larger on reliability. All three of the opposite vehicles above the Acura on the record even have a better MSRP.
Acura Integra Past Model Years Reliability
Because the Acura Integra was solely reintroduced in 2022 to the North American auto market, the one details about earlier mannequin years is obscure on Repair Pal, and Car Edge.
Acura has revealed the costs of the reincarnated Integra, and it begins at a shade underneath $31,000
2023 Acura Integra Common Problems
Acura
Also, based on Car Edge, there have been no reported issues with the 2023 Acura Integra, aside from the recall and investigation talked about by the NHTSA. This could possibly be due to its high-reliability ranking in comparison with different vehicles, or it could possibly be as a result of the 2023 Acura Integra is so new and there was genuinely nothing to report but.
Acura Integra Cost Of Repairs
As everyone knows, issues do go mistaken with vehicles and upkeep is essential to a protracted automotive life. That is obvious from a few of the highest-mileage cars ever, whose homeowners say they carry on prime of yearly upkeep.
2023 Acura Integra Average Yearly Maintenance Cost
With excessive prices elsewhere in life, the price of holding a automotive on the street in and protected situation, for much less cash as attainable, is prone to be paramount. Fuel consumption, upkeep prices, and sudden storage journeys all must be thought of. Unfortunately, as a result of they’re so new, Car Edge doesn’t maintain any details about the yearly working prices of the 2023 Acura Integra but, however based on Repair Pal, the estimated upkeep price ranges related to every advisable service interval as much as 75,000 miles are as follows:
For what’s seen as an entry-level luxury car, the 2023 Acura Integra does supply you a large number for a fairly low-cost worth in comparison with its opponents within the section. It additionally has the added bonus of being one of the crucial reliable luxury cars available on the market, boasts a comparatively economical powertrain, and is a really protected automotive to personal and drive with numerous commonplace security and comfort options included.
With over 10 million downloads and a 4.5-star score on the Google Play Store, Google Tasks might be the one app it’s essential to deliver your life again on observe. Especially should you’re already deep into the Google workspace utilizing purposes like Google Calendar, Google Docs, Drive, Gmail, and extra, a to-do checklist robotically syncs with its related platforms is right.
On high of that, you probably have an present Google account, you do not even must strive organising a brand new account to make use of the app. All it’s essential to do is set up the app from the Play Store, and you will be signed into your Google account as quickly as you launch the app. To arrange your life, give the app permission to ship notifications. You’ll then be redirected to the app’s homepage, the place you possibly can add new duties and look at your present ones.
With a clutter-free and easy-to-use interface, the app is simple to navigate and has all of the options it’s essential to plan your day. To add a brand new process, merely faucet the plus (+) icon and fill out the small print related to your process, together with the date and time for the duty, the duty’s identify, whether or not it is a recurring process, and any further particulars. Once your process has been created, you may additionally see it in your Google Calendar and the facet panel of Gmail.
If you’ve gotten lots to handle however your life is separated into two or extra elements like college, work, and your private life, Google Tasks helps you to arrange your duties in separate lists. Although the app may do with a number of extra superior planning options, it is nice for folks searching for a easy approach to get their lives collectively.
The facelifted Tata Nexon scored a 5-star security ranking, similar as earlier than, however that rating is extra spectacular in 2024 than it was in 2018 and right here’s why
Although the Global NCAP authority began crash-testing India-spec automobiles since 2014 below its #SaferCarsForIndia marketing campaign, its first large breakthrough got here in 2018. That’s when the Tata Nexon grew to become the primary Indian automobile to attain a full 5-star ranking within the security assessments. Now, six years and a complete facelift later, the sub-4m SUV has managed to realize the identical ranking, and the result’s simply as vital for the reason that crash take a look at protocols have additionally been revised throughout that point.
Before we delve into how the Nexon’s crash take a look at efficiency has modified from then to now, let’s first try what’s been up to date for the SUV adopted by the testing protocols.
Tata Nexon: Then vs Now
In 2017, when Tata first launched the Nexon, the one normal security tech was twin entrance airbags and ABS with EBD. The Tata Nexon was crash-tested twice in 2018, and after a small replace of offering seatbelt reminders for entrance occupants as normal, the SUV achieved the 5-star rating (it had first secured a 4-star ranking).
Today, the SUV has undergone a few updates and now comes with loads of security tech as normal. This consists of six airbags, digital stability programme (ESP), and ISOFIX baby seat mounts. Not solely that, the carmaker has additionally improved the structural power and construct high quality of the SUV with the newest facelift, thereby enhancing occupant safety.
When the Global NCAP began finishing up crash exams of India-specific automobiles, its main focus areas had been the availability of entrance airbags, ABS and general structural integrity. It carried out solely the frontal offset crash exams and scored the mannequin on two broad classes: one for grownup occupant safety (out of 17 factors) and the opposite for baby occupant safety (out of 49 factors).
Today, Global NCAP not solely conducts the frontal offset take a look at but in addition consists of facet impression, facet pole impression, and pedestrian safety exams into its security assessments. Moreover, it has additionally mandated the fitment of some extra security tools as normal corresponding to digital stability management (ESC), six airbags, and ISOFIX to realize the utmost 5-star ranking. It now assigns scores for grownup occupant safety on a scale of 34 factors.
Tata Nexon Global NCAP Scores: A Quick Comparison
Parameter
2018 Tata Nexon (Second Score)
2024 Tata Nexon
Adult Occupant Protection
5 stars (16.06 out of 17 factors)
5 stars (32.22 out of 34 factors)
Child Occupant Protection
3 stars (25 out of 49 factors)
5 stars (44.52 out of 49 factors)
Adult Occupant Protection
Both variations of the SUV supplied ‘adequate’ to ‘good’ safety to the grownup occupants within the frontal offset crash exams. The footwell space of each the fashions was rated as ‘stable’ and so was the bodyshell, which was deemed able to withstanding additional loadings. The 2024 Nexon supplied ‘marginal’ to ‘good’ ranges of safety within the new facet pole impression take a look at.
Child Occupant Protection
In the case of the 2018 Nexon, the kid seat for the 3-year outdated dummy was put in dealing with ahead. On the opposite hand, it was put in dealing with rearward for the 18-month outdated. Both eventualities used ISOFIX anchorages whereas the assist leg got here into impact within the case of the latter. While the previous was in a position to stop extreme ahead motion, the general occupant safety ranged between ‘marginal’ and ‘good.’
When it involves the 2024 Nexon, each the kid seats for the 3-year outdated and 18-month outdated had been put in dealing with rearwards utilizing the anchorages and a assist leg. In each circumstances, adequate safety was supplied to the kid occupants. Meanwhile, the CRS for each supplied full safety within the facet impression crash take a look at as nicely, maybe helped by the presence of facet and curtain airbags.
What’s Next For The Nexon?
Although the Tata Nexon has bagged a 5-star security ranking from the Global NCAP, it might probably additional enhance occupant security by gaining some key superior driver help methods (ADAS) options corresponding to autonomous emergency braking (AEB), rear-cross site visitors alert, and collision avoidance help.
Also, we count on the brand new Nexon to be crash examined by the Bharat NCAP quickly as nicely. Furthermore, we hope Tata sends throughout the Nexon EV for crash testing as nicely which we imagine may additionally safe a 5-star ranking.
What are your ideas on the Tata Nexon’s improved security? Let us know within the feedback.
The similar Mahindra Scorpio N scored a 5-star security score from Global NCAP
It was fairly the information when the Mahindra Scorpio N received a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP in late-2022. The three-row SUV providing can also be being offered in worldwide markets, together with Australia and New Zealand. Now, the Scorpio N has been crash examined by the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), and to the shock of many, it scored a 0-star security score. Let’s have a look at the main points of the crash check to see precisely how the Mahindra SUV fared:
Adult Occupant Protection: A Mixed Bag
For grownup occupant safety, ANCAP scored the Mahindra Scorpio N 17.67 out of 40 factors, translating to a modest 44 %. The SUV examined comes with 6 airbags. The frontal offset check revealed that the SUV’s passenger compartment is steady however the full frontal influence check raised considerations concerning weak safety for the driving force’s chest and poor safeguarding of the rear passenger’s head, neck, and chest. Both frontal impacts had been performed at a velocity of fifty kmph. Notably, different areas within the check acquired a good score from the Australian NCAP.
The Scorpio N went on to attain full marks within the aspect influence check at a velocity of 60 kmph, and 5.31 factors out of 6 within the indirect pole check. However, the SUV failed the far aspect influence check (0 out of 4 factors), whereas entrance seats recorded poor safety towards whiplash accidents in rear crash situations. The Mahindra SUV was not subjected to far-side influence testing.
Child Occupant Protection: Decent Scores with a Caveat
ANCAP rated the Mahindra Scorpio N approach higher for youngster occupant safety, handing it 39.27 out of 49 factors for a good 80 %. The frontal offset check, nonetheless, revealed a marginal security score for the 10-year-old-child dummy’s neck and chest. Furthermore, ANCAP issued a warning, highlighting the absence of prime tether anchorages in particular seating positions, rendering the automobile unsuitable for transporting younger kids in these areas. It additionally talked about that the SUV doesn’t include a toddler presence detection system. Another situation highlighted by the ANCAP check was that the kid restraints couldn’t be appropriately put in utilizing ISOFIX anchorages because the seat trim interfered with it.
Vulnerable Road User Protection: Areas of Concern
Scoring 14.94 out of 63 (23 %) in weak highway consumer safety, the Scorpio N raised eyebrows. ANCAP recognized marginal or ample safety supplied by the bonnet to a pedestrian’s head however reported weaknesses on the entrance of the bonnet, the bottom of the windscreen, and the stiff pillars. Poor scores prolonged to pelvis, femur, and decrease leg safety, with ANCAP noting the absence of autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
Safety Assist: Zero Rating for the Absence of ADAS Features
Lacking any Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) options, the Mahindra Scorpio N acquired a convincing zero out of 18 within the security help part.
Addressing the Discrepancy: A Future Outlook
So, how did a automobile just like the Mahindra Scorpio N, which secured a commendable 5-star security score within the Global NCAP crash check, go on to attain 0 stars within the ANCAP analysis? It’s not that their testing standards is overly harsh, however somewhat a technicality. In Australia, the presence of autonomous driver assists turned obligatory for all new automobiles from March 2023. Mahindra had discovered a loophole within the compliance necessities and was in a position to take the Scorpio N on sale with none ADAS.
While security options alone will not be consultant of the true occupant safety supplied by a automotive, these harsh measures are in place to make sure carmakers replace their fashions to supply new applied sciences and never conceal behind price slicing practices. The similar strategy will quickly be utilized by the Indian authorities as soon as it turns into obligatory for all new automobiles to come back with 6 airbags minimal.
The difference between light duty (LD) and heavy duty (HD) trucks lies in their towing capacity and design.
The HD truck can tow up to 18,500 pounds, while the LD truck has a tow rating of 8,700 pounds. However, when equipped with additional features such as steel front and rear bumpers and boron skid plates, the HD truck can become much heavier, weighing in at 8,495 pounds, which may not be ideal for off-roading.
The HD Bison is primarily designed as a tow rig for off-road vehicles, allowing users to unload their gear and venture off the pavement. On the other hand, the LD Bison lacks the same off-road capabilities and only offers armoring without improved suspension or larger tires.
The decision to introduce HD and LD versions of the Bison was influenced by the popularity of the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison packages on the mid-sized Colorado. The inclusion of a base diesel engine in both the LD and HD trucks adds to their appeal, especially since the Colorado is now only available with a gasoline engine.
For buyers seeking a full-sized pickup truck with the best of both worlds, choosing between the LD and HD Bison can be a bit challenging. While both trucks are capable of more than expected, the difference between LD and HD at Chevrolet is not as significant as the difference between 1500 and 2500 classes at Ram or Ford.
Maruti Suzuki would be eager to get its first 5-star safety rating for an India-specification model
India’s own crash test rating agency, the Bharat NCAP, is all set to roll out from October 2023. The agency has confirmed that it has already received over 30 applications for crash testing. Rahul Bharti, Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India, said when the programme was introduced, Maruti welcomes this initiative of the government and will offer at least three models for Bharat NCAP testing in the first lot itself.
Since he did not confirm what these three models are or will be, we have taken it upon ourselves to shortlist the most likely candidates from Maruti’s extensive lineup of 17 cars. Here are our top 5 picks:
Maruti Grand Vitara
The Grand Vitara is a strong contender for a good score from the Bharat NCAP. Among its rivals, Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun are some of the safest cars in India with five stars from the latest Global NCAP tests. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos have scored three stars. The Grand Vitara could establish itself as one of the strongest SUVs in this space by scoring well in the new BNCAP crash tests.
Its base variant comes equipped with dual front airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), hill hold assist, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. The top-end variants further get six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, a 360-degree camera, and hill descent control (only for AWD).
The three-door version of the Jimny has already been crash tested by the Euro NCAP, where it scored an average 3-star safety rating. We believe the five-door Maruti Jimny could also be a prime contender to get itself an early score from the Bharat NCAP, as it is also exported to markets like Australia and South Africa. Its prime rival, the Mahindra Thar, gets four stars as per the older Global NCAP tests. Moreover, with the five-door Thar arriving in 2024, the Jimny could have a competitive benefit by securing a strong safety rating.
Maruti’s off-road focused SUV comes with six airbags, a rear parking camera, hill hold and descent control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and electronic stability programme as standard.
Maruti Fronx
Maruti Fronx is a hatchback-SUV crossover which rivals both premium hatchbacks as well as subcompact SUVs. Among its rivals, the Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, and Tata Altroz received a 5-star safety rating as per the older GNCAP tests, while the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger have been awarded four stars. Since it’s one of the latest Marutis to go on sale and has already been established as a popular choice, we’re expecting the Fronx to also be in consideration for being among the first to get crash tested by BNCAP.
While features like dual front airbags, ESP with hill hold assist, and rear parking sensors are standard, the higher-end variants get up to six airbags and a 360-degree camera.
Maruti Baleno is among the best-selling cars in India and one of its rivals, the Tata Altroz, has already been tested by the old GNCAP protocols. It would boost the premium hatchback’s appeal even more. The previous version of the hatchback failed the Latin NCAP crash tests.
Its safety feature list is similar to the Fronx, with dual front airbags, ESP, hill hold assist, and rear parking sensors as standard. The higher-end variants add six airbags and a 360-degree camera.
Maruti Brezza
The previous generation of the Brezza scored four stars in the older Global NCAP tests, making it the best-performing Maruti till date. It would help the Maruti SUV reclaim its segment-leader title if it could prove itself just as sturdy and safe with a fresh crash test rating from BNCAP.
Safety is covered by the presence of up to six airbags, hill hold assist, ESP, a 360-degree camera, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
The Bharat NCAP testing procedures are in line with the updated Global NCAP norms. The Maruti Swift, Alto K10, S-Presso, Wagon R, and Ignis have already been tested as per the new norms, where all of them performed poorly. Over the recent launches, Maruti has stated that it’s working on making cars safer and with these five cars, it could come at par with its rivals and improve Maruti’s image with regards to vehicle safety by design.
The Bharat NCAP will give a crash-test rating to new cars for both adult occupant protection and child occupant protection
Bharat NCAP to be similar to the international new car assessment programs like Global NCAP and Latin NCAP.
Carmakers to send their cars, measuring up to 3.5 tonnes, for testing on a voluntary basis.
A new testing facility is also likely to have been set up to conduct these assessments.
A couple of Indian carmakers might even announce the Bharat NCAP ratings achieved by some of their cars.
If there’s one thing our automotive industry is yet to locally standardise, it is the crash test assessments. There are various international institutions and new car assessment programs (NCAPs) like the Global NCAP, Euro NCAP and even Latin NCAP which put new cars through stringent safety checks and give them both a score and a rating based on their performance. Reports of the Indian government planning our own NCAP (called the Bharat NCAP) surfaced online in early 2022. Now, it’s been confirmed that Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, will launch the Bharat NCAP on August 22, 2023.
What Could Be Announced?
We expect the Transport Ministry to reveal not just the details and parameters for the Bharat NCAP, but the newly set up Indian testing facility as well. We can also expect an Indian carmaker or two to announce the Bharat NCAP crash-tested ratings of either one or multiple models. The transport ministry is also likely to detail all the steps involved in its tests.
Aiming For Global Standards
Back in 2022, Union Minister Gadkari had said, “The testing protocol of Bharat NCAP shall be aligned with Global Crash Test Protocols factoring in the existing Indian regulations, allowing OEMs to get their vehicles tested at India’s own in-house testing facilities.”
The new Indian crash-test assessment programme will measure the safety parameters of vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes or 3500kg. Carmakers can voluntarily get their cars tested under this programme, as per the proposed Automotive Industry Standards 197 (AIS-197) document. According to AIS-197, the Bharat NCAP will include the offset front impact test, side impact test and pole side impact test. The tests will award them with star ratings for adult occupant protection (AOP) and child occupant protection (COP).
A previous government document had suggested that the ratings could include mandatory features such as six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), 3-point seatbelts for all passengers, and advanced emergency braking system. So if these features are standard in the to-be-tested car, it might score better ratings.
Currently Mandated Safety Measures
For now, all cars in India are required to have dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking assist, front seatbelt reminder, and speed alert system. The government is already working on making six airbags a mandatory requirement on cars that can seat up to eight passengers. It is also looking at making select advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard.
Amazon is currently testing a new rating design that has generated controversy among those who have seen it. Concerns have been raised that this change could mislead customers about the quality of a product. For instance, if a company manages to attract a large number of five-star reviews on its product page, users may focus solely on this positive rating and overlook numerous negative reviews. To mitigate this potential issue, Amazon may consider displaying only the percentage of five-star reviews left by trusted users whose purchases have been verified. It’s worth noting that the test is currently limited and it is unclear whether Amazon plans to implement it on a wider scale in the future.
Given Amazon’s recent announcement of a new feature called AI-generated review summaries, it’s not surprising that the company is testing changes to its rating system. This feature aims to simplify the review process by considering only feedback from trusted customers whose purchases have been verified. Fake and incentivized reviews are a well-known problem on Amazon, as they can easily deceive customers into buying low-quality or counterfeit products. To combat this issue, Amazon has taken steps such as filing lawsuits against fake review brokers.
The Exter CNG offers more features while the Punch boasts a 5-star rating and innovative boot design.
The Tata Punch CNG has finally been launched, almost eight months after being showcased at Auto Expo 2023. It is Tata’s fourth model to offer a green fuel alternative and goes head-to-head with the Hyundai Exter, which also offers a CNG option. For those considering between the two smallest CNG SUVs, here is a detailed comparison of their price and specifications:
Price Check
Tata Punch CNG
Hyundai Exter CNG
Pure CNG – Rs 7.10 lakh
Adventure CNG – Rs 7.85 lakh
Adventure Rhythm CNG – Rs 8.20 lakh
S CNG – Rs 8.24 lakh
Accomplished CNG – Rs 8.85 lakh
SX CNG – Rs 8.97 lakh
Accomplished Dazzle S CNG – Rs 9.68 lakh
Tata offers the CNG option from the base variant of the Punch, resulting in a lower starting price of around Rs 1 lakh. On the other hand, Hyundai offers the CNG option in just two variants and the top-spec Punch CNG is more expensive by about Rs 70,000.
Engine Specifications
Specs
Punch CNG
Exter CNG
Engine
1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol-CNG
1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol-CNG
Power
73.5PS
69PS
Torque
103Nm
95.2Nm
Transmission
5-speed MT
5-speed MT
Claimed Fuel Economy
–
27.1km/kg
On paper, the Punch CNG offers slightly better performance than the Exter CNG, and both come with a 5-speed manual transmission. Tata has not disclosed the fuel economy of the Punch CNG, but it is expected to be around 25 km/kg. Hyundai claims that its Exter CNG variants can achieve a fuel economy of 27.1 km/kg.
Thanks to Tata’s dual-cylinder setup, the Punch CNG offers a generous usable boot space of 210 litres. This allows buyers to go on weekend trips without worrying about luggage space. There are no official figures for the Exter CNG’s boot space, but it can be expected to accommodate slim laptop bags or handbags, and nothing more.
Features
Common Features
Punch
Exter
The Punch and Exter CNG versions are equipped with similar features such as projector headlamps, LED DRLs, electric sunroof, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. Since Tata offers the CNG option on a higher specification of the Punch, it also gets additional features like a push-button start-stop and auto headlamps. However, even in its mid-spec variants with CNG, the Exter has its advantages in the form of climate control and a larger infotainment unit.
Clearly, the Exter offers a more comprehensive safety package compared to the Punch, with six airbags, TPMS, electronic stability control, hill start assist, and vehicle stability management. However, the Punch has proven its safety credentials with a 5-star safety rating from GNCAP.
On paper, the Exter leads in terms of safety features and possibly fuel economy. However, the Punch offers more features in its higher specifications, along with greater boot space and more variants to choose from. A comprehensive road test will provide a better understanding of their real-world performance.
