These Four Cars Have The Weakest Iron. They Failed In Crash Tests, Yet People Are Still Lining Up To Buy Them

Despite poor crash test ratings, specific car models in India continue to enjoy strong sales, driven by affordability, fuel efficiency, and brand trust. However, safety concerns remain significant, as some popular vehicles have weak crash test results. This highlights a critical issue: while features like fuel efficiency, style, and low maintenance costs are essential, vehicle safety should never be overlooked, especially with the increasing number of accidents on Indian roads. Here, we discuss four popular cars that received poor ratings in crash tests but are still being sold in large numbers.

Maruti Ertiga: A Popular Choice with Safety Shortcomings

The Maruti Ertiga is a highly popular seven-seater in India, known for its spacious interiors, affordability, and practical features. However, regarding safety, the Ertiga still needs to impress. In the Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) crash test, it received only a 1-star rating, raising concerns about its overall safety. Specifically, the Ertiga scored 23.63 points out of 34 for adult occupant protection, a below-average score in protecting passengers in the event of a crash. It performed even worse in child occupant protection, with only 19.40 points out of 49, making it a risky choice for families with young children.

Despite its poor safety rating, the Ertiga remains one of the best-selling cars in the seven-seater category, mainly due to its affordable starting price of Rs 8.69 lakh (ex-showroom). Its spacious interior, decent mileage, and low maintenance costs make it an attractive option for families on a budget. However, potential buyers should be aware of the safety trade-offs involved. The car’s strong demand is a reminder that many consumers are prioritizing cost over safety, a trend that could have severe consequences in the event of an accident.

Nexa Ignis: Entry-Level Appeal, but Safety Lags

The Nexa Ignis is another popular car that still needs to deliver on safety. Through Maruti Suzuki’s premium Nexa dealership network, the Ignis targets young, urban buyers looking for an affordable, stylish, and compact car. However, in terms of safety, the Ignis has fallen short. The car received a 1-star rating in the Global NCAP crash test, earning 16.48 points out of 34 for adult occupant protection. Its child occupant protection rating was even worse, with only 3.86 points out of 49, which is alarming for families with children.

With a starting price of Rs 5.84 lakh (ex-showroom), the Ignis is one of the more affordable options in the market, especially for those looking for a car with a distinctive design and compact size. While it appeals to first-time buyers, its poor crash test rating raises concerns about whether it can provide adequate protection in the event of an accident. There may be better options than the Ignis. Still, there may be a better option than On for Bu, even though its stylish design and premium branding continue to attract customers.

Maruti S-Presso: Budget SUV with Safety Deficiencies

Maruti’s mini-SUV, the S-Presso, is another car that has drawn criticism for its weak safety performance. Like the other cars mentioned, the S-Presso received a 1-star Global NCAP crash test rating. It scored 20.03 out of 34 for adult occupant protection and only 3.52 out of 49 for child occupant protection. These scores highlight the car’s poor ability to protect passengers, especially children, in the event of an accident.

Despite this, the S-Presso remains famous for buyers seeking an affordable SUV-like vehicle with a starting price of Rs 4.27 lakh (ex-showroom). Its compact size, high ground clearance, and bold styling give it an edge in the entry-level SUV market. However, given its poor safety rating, buyers should carefully weigh the benefits of affordability and style against the potential risks of driving a vehicle with limited crash protection.

Maruti WagonR: A National Favorite, but Weak on Safety

The Maruti WagonR is one of the best-selling cars in India. It is known for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. However, like the other models discussed, the WagonR has also performed poorly in crash tests. Global NCAP awarded it a 1-star safety rating, with 19.69 points out of 34 for adult occupant protection and just 3.40 out of 49 for child occupant protection.

Despite these safety concerns, the WagonR remains immensely popular among urban and suburban families. In the first half of 2023 alone, nearly 100,000 units of the WagonR were sold. With a starting price of Rs 5.55 lakh (ex-showroom), it is one of the most affordable cars in the country. Its ease of maintenance, good fuel efficiency, and reputation as a reliable family car make it a top choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, the safety of passengers, especially children, is an area where the WagonR lags significantly, and buyers should consider this before making a purchase.

The Importance of Safety Ratings

While affordability and other features often dominate the decision-making process when buying a car, safety should not be compromised. The Global NCAP crash tests provide an essential benchmark for assessing a car’s ability to protect its occupants in the event of an accident. Many of the best-selling cars in India, especially those from Maruti Suzuki, have received poor safety ratings. Yet, they continue to sell in large numbers due to price, fuel efficiency, and brand loyalty.

However, buyers need to prioritize their safety and the safety of their passengers when selecting a vehicle. Cars with higher safety ratings often have advanced features such as more airbags, better structural integrity, and superior child protection systems. These features can make a life-or-death difference in the event of a crash.

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