Recently, Global NCAP awarded the September 2023-released Tata Nexon facelift a 5-star safety rating. Before Bharat NCAP was implemented, the updated subcompact SUV was one of the final cars manufactured in India to undergo crash testing by the international organization. Even though this is a recurrent accomplishment for Nexon, the fact that it was tested using the most recent GNCAP protocols makes it even more remarkable.
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Let's take a look at the updates made to the SUV and the testing protocols before delving into how the Nexon performed in crash tests back then compared to now.
In 2017, when Tata first launched the Nexon, the only standard safety tech was dual front airbags and ABS with EBD. The Tata Nexon was crash-tested twice in 2018, and after a small update of providing seatbelt reminders for front occupants as standard, the SUV achieved a 5-star score (it had first secured a 4-star rating).
The SUV has had a few updates recently, and it now has a tonne of safety technology as standard. This includes ISOFIX child seat mounts, the electronic stability program (ESP), and six airbags. In addition, with the most recent redesign, the automaker increased the SUV's structural integrity and build quality, which improved occupant safety.
Here’s the breakdown of the scores:
Adult Occupant Safety Rating - 5 Stars (32.22 out of 34 points)
In both the frontal offset crash test and the barrier test, the new Nexon provided front adult passengers with good overall protection as well as sufficient protection for the chest. Both its body shell and footwell area received stable ratings, with the latter being able to support additional loads.
In the side pole impact test, the Nexon facelift provided good protection for the head and pelvis, with only moderate protection for the chest and sufficient protection for the abdomen. This is because it comes equipped with six airbags as standard.
Child Occupant Safety Rating - 5 Stars (44.52 out of 49 points)
Using the anchorages and a support leg, the child seats for the 3-year-old and the 18-month-old were placed facing backward. In both situations, the child's head was shielded enough from injury during the frontal impact. In the meantime, both CRSs provided complete protection in the side impact crash test.
Additionally, the ESC's standard fitment and tested performance were both satisfactory. Additionally, it has front and rear seatbelt reminders. The combination of all these elements led to the Tata Nexon facelift receiving this remarkable rating from the more demanding Global NCAP crash tests. The most recent Nexon standard equipment list, which includes 3-point seatbelts for all occupants and a front passenger deactivation switch, was also praised by Global NCAP.
A Brief Comparison of the 2018 and 2024 Scores:
In the 2018 test, the adult occupant protection score was notable at 16.06 out of 17 points, while the child occupant protection score was notable at 25 out of 49 points at that time. Looking ahead, the score for Adult Occupant Protection in 2024 was notable as it was 32.22 out of 34, while the score for Child Occupant Protection was 44.52 out of 49. Which is quite an impressive upgrade.
We also believe that the Bharat NCAP will soon conduct a crash test on the new Nexon. In addition, we hope Tata sends the Nexon EV for crash testing as well, as we think the car may also earn a five-star rating.
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