Eight Safest Cars & SUVs Under Rs 10 Lakh: Maruti Dzire, XUV 3XO & More
As safety awareness grows among Indian car buyers, manufacturers are increasingly prioritising protective features in their vehicles. For families and individual buyers alike, safety standards are a key consideration when choosing a car. The automotive industry has embraced this shift, with newer models offering advanced crash protection even in the budget segment. Here’s a detailed look at eight of the safest cars and SUVs priced under Rs 10 lakh, all highly rated by crash testing authorities like Global NCAP (GNCAP) and Bharat NCAP (BNCAP).
1. Maruti Suzuki Dzire: A Compact Sedan with Stellar Ratings
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire stands out as the first model from Maruti to earn a 5-star Global NCAP rating for adult occupant protection, alongside a 4-star rating for child occupant safety. Scoring 31.24 points out of 34 for adults and 39.20 out of 42 for children, the Dzire offers excellent crash protection.
Key highlights include
- Good head and neck protection for adults.
- Forward-facing ISOFIX child seats provide robust safety for young passengers.
- A stable bodyshell, capable of withstanding additional loads.
2. Tata Punch: The Micro-SUV Built Like a Tank
Tata Motors has consistently delivered strong safety-focused vehicles, and the Tata Punch is no exception. With a 5-star adult protection rating and a 4-star child protection rating by GNCAP, the Punch is a top choice in the micro-SUV category.
Key safety ratings
- 16.45/17 for adult protection.
- 40.89/49 for child protection.
3. Mahindra XUV300: Compact Yet Robust
The Mahindra XUV300 is another top performer, earning 5-star ratings in both adult and child protection categories. In Bharat NCAP testing, it scored 29.36/32 for adult protection and 43/49 for child safety.
Safety features across all variants include
- Six airbags.
- Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
- ISOFIX child-seat anchors.
4. Tata Nexon and Nexon EV: Redefining Compact SUVs
The Tata Nexon has set a benchmark for safety in compact SUVs, receiving 5-star ratings for both its internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) versions.
- Nexon ICE: 32.22/34 for adult protection and 44.52/49 for child safety in Global NCAP tests.
- Nexon EV: 29.86/32 for adult protection and 44.95/49 for children in Bharat NCAP tests.
5. Tata Curvv ICE: Stylish Yet Safe
The Tata Curvv ICE not only brings futuristic design to the table but also scores impressively in Bharat NCAP testing.
Key ratings
- 29.50/32 for adult protection.
- 43.66/49 for child safety.
6. Tata Altroz: The Reliable Hatchback
Tata Altroz, the safest hatchback under Rs 10 lakh, has earned a 5-star rating for adult occupant protection (16.13/17) from Global NCAP. While it scored 3 stars (29/49) for child safety, its solid build and features such as ISOFIX mounts, ABS with EBD, and parking sensors make it a dependable family car.
Why Safety Matters in Budget Cars
Choosing a car with high safety ratings isn’t just about crash test scores; it’s about peace of mind. Modern advancements in engineering and regulations ensure that even budget-friendly cars come with features that safeguard drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.
Whether you're looking for a compact sedan like the Maruti Dzire or a robust SUV like the Tata Nexon, these models prove that safety doesn’t have to come at a premium. Each vehicle on this list balances affordability and protection, making them ideal for Indian families and individuals who refuse to compromise on safety.
Whether you're looking for a compact sedan like the Maruti Dzire or a robust SUV like the Tata Nexon, these models prove that safety doesn’t have to come at a premium. Each vehicle on this list balances affordability and protection, making them ideal for Indian families and individuals who refuse to compromise on safety.
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