Top 5 5-star NCAP Rated Cars NOT from Tata/Mahindra

I have compiled a list of the top 5 non-Tata- and Mahindra 5-star NCAP-rated cars in India in 2024. The premise for this post is based on the fact that Tata and Mahindra top the list when it comes to the most 5-star rated cars in our market. Everyone knows that both Indian auto giants focus tremendously on the build quality of their cars. Hence, it is almost a foregone conclusion that just about every vehicle from Tata and Mahindra is bound to score high ratings on the NCAP testing. After the new protocols for the Global NCAP tests were introduced, many non-Indian carmakers have received decent scores for their vehicles. That is what I wish to highlight through my post today.

Top 5 Non-Tata/Mahindra 5-star NCAP Rated Cars

VW Taigun

Let us commence this list with the VW Taigun. It is the mid-size SUV from the German carmaker which rivals the mighty Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara and the like in our market. In the updated Global NCAP testing protocols, Taigun bagged 5 stars in both categories – Adult Occupant Protection and Child Occupant Protection. These were a result of 29.64 points out of 34 and 42 points out of 49, respectively. I must also mention that these ratings were valid for the model which only had 2 airbags in the base trim. Now, the Taigun gets 6 airbags as standard across the range. That makes the 5-star rating even more impressive.

VW Virtus

The next vehicle on this list is, essentially, the sedan version of the Taigun, called Virtus. It is a premium mid-size sedan which locks horns with the likes of the Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Skoda Slavia. It shares powertrain and transmission options with the Taigun along with the MQB A0 IN platform. Hence, it should come as no surprise to anyone that Virtus also scored a full 5-star safety rating at the Global NCAP in Adult Occupant Protection, as well as Child Occupant Protection. The details of the points accumulated by the Virtus include 29.71 points out of 34 in the Adult Occupant Protection and 42 out of a possible 49 in the Child Occupant Protection category. This score was published in 2023.

Skoda Kushaq

Next up, we have the Skoda Kushaq on this list of 5-star NCAP rated cars in India in 2024. Kushaq is the sibling of the VW Taigun. It shares the platform, powertrains, transmissions and even the body panels. Essentially, it is a similar car. That is also reflected in its NCAP ratings. The Kushaq boasts a full 5-star safety rating in the updated Global NCAP test in both Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP) categories. Interestingly, they share the exact point system as well. Hence, the AOP has 29.64 points out of 34, while the COP segment has 42 points out of 49. Again, even the Kushaq was tested with just the front 2 airbags as standard.

Skoda Slavia

Then there is the Skoda Slavia on this list. Interestingly, it is similar to the VW Virtus just like the similarities between the Skoda Kushaq and VW Taigun. That is because the VW Group is the parent company of Skoda Auto. Hence, Skoda cars use a powertrain and other amenities from VW. In India, the VW Group’s 2.0 initiative included the Skoda cars with it where the MQB A0 IN platform was localized to lower ownership, initial and service costs. Slavia bagged full 5 stars in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP) categories. The specifics are 29.71 points out of a possible 34 in AOP and 42 points out of 49 in COP. The mid-size premium sedan was tested with 2 airbags as standard.

Hyundai Verna

Completing this list is the Hyundai Verna. It is a premium mid-size sedan which has been an iconic vehicle in our market for years now. It can be considered the king of this segment along with the Honda City. These two cars have not allowed competition to prevail. The latest version of the Verna takes things to a new level by scoring a full 5-star safety rating at the updated Global NCAP. This score is valid for both Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP). In the former segment, the sedan scored a decent 28.18 points out of a possible 34, while in the latter, it got 42 points out of a maximum of 49. I must mention here that the Hyundai Verna comes with 6 airbags as standard across the range. In fact, the entire product range of Hyundai in India now comes with 6 standard airbags in every variant. Clearly, it is making conscious efforts toward offering people the highest safety levels. These are all the vehicles not from Tata or Mahindra to offer 5-star ratings to the customers.

You may also like: New Maruti Swift to Score 5 Stars at Bharat NCAP?