Top 5 Most Famous Cars in India (2024) – Features & Safety Comparison

India’s car market is evolving, with buyers prioritizing safety, features, and fuel efficiency. Here’s a comparison of the most famous cars in India based on safety ratings, features, and pricing.

1. Maruti Suzuki Swift – Popular Hatchback

Airbags

  • Maruti Suzuki Swift: Dual front airbags are standard, with side and curtain airbags available as optional features.

  • Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Offers four airbags as standard and six airbags in higher variants.

  • Tata Punch: Comes with dual front airbags as standard.

Crash Safety Ratings

  • Maruti Suzuki Swift: The previous generation scored 1-star in Global NCAP, but updates may improve its safety rating.

  • Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Earned a 2-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests.

  • Tata Punch: Holds a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, making it the safest among the three.

Parking Assistance

  • Maruti Suzuki Swift: Comes with rear parking sensors as standard, with a rear parking camera available in higher variants.

  • Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Features rear parking sensors and a rear parking camera in select trims.

  • Tata Punch: Equipped with rear parking sensors and a rear parking camera in higher variants.

Braking and Stability

  • Maruti Suzuki Swift: ABS with EBD is standard across all variants.

  • Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Also features ABS with EBD as standard.

  • Tata Punch: Equipped with ABS, EBD, and Brake Sway Control for enhanced stability

Child Safety

  • Maruti Suzuki Swift: ISOFIX child seat anchors are standard.

  • Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Also comes with ISOFIX child seat mounts.

  • Tata Punch: Features ISOFIX anchors and boasts a strong safety record.

2 . Tata Nexon

Six Airbags (Standard) 
Price: ₹8 – ₹15 Lakh

One of the biggest updates in the new Nexon is the inclusion of six airbags as a standard feature across all variants. This ensures maximum protection for both front and rear passengers in the event of a collision.


Safety Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5-Star Global NCAP)

Features: 6 airbags, ESC, 360-degree camera, digital cockpit, connected car tech
Pros: High safety, modern design, EV variant available
Cons: Infotainment UI needs improvement

 High-Strength Steel Body with Impact Absorption

The new Nexon has been built with a reinforced high-strength steel structure, designed to absorb and distribute impact forces in the event of a crash. This enhances passenger protection during collisions.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

ESP is a crucial safety feature that helps maintain vehicle stability during sudden turns or slippery road conditions. It prevents skidding and loss of control by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels when necessary.

360-Degree Surround View Camera with Front Parking Sensors

A 360-degree camera system provides a complete bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, assisting in parking and low-speed maneuvering. Front parking sensors further help in detecting obstacles while parking in tight spaces.

Blind View Monitor

This new feature displays real-time visuals of blind spots on the digital instrument cluster when the turn indicators are activated. This helps the driver spot vehicles or obstacles that may not be visible in the side mirrors.

Auto-Dimming IRVM (Inside Rear View Mirror)

The new auto-dimming IRVM reduces glare from the headlights of vehicles behind, improving visibility and reducing strain on the driver’s eyes while driving at night.


The Tata Nexon continues to be a leader in vehicle safety in India. From six airbags and ESP to 360-degree cameras and blind view monitors, Tata Motors has integrated some of the most advanced safety technologies into this compact SUV. Whether you are driving in urban conditions or challenging terrains, the new Tata Nexon ensures maximum safety for you and your passengers.

3. Hyundai Creta – Premium Mid-Size SUV

Price: ₹11 – ₹20 Lakh

Six Airbags

The 2024 Creta comes standard with six airbags, including:

  • Dual Front Airbags: Protects the driver and front passenger in frontal collisions.

  • Side Airbags: Offers additional protection to front occupants during side impacts.

  • Curtain Airbags: Extends protection to both front and rear passengers in the event of a side collision.

Hyundai SmartSense – Level 2 ADAS

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Detects vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists ahead, applying brakes if a potential collision is imminent.

  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  • Monitors lane markings, providing alerts and corrective steering if unintentional lane departure is detected.
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) and Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)


Warns of vehicles in blind spots and can apply brakes to prevent collisions during lane changes
 
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)

 
and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW): Alerts the driver to approaching traffic from the sides when reversing and can engage brakes to avoid collisions

Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC with S&G)


 Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, with the capability to bring the car to a complete stop and resume movement in traffic

Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)


Provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle and displays live video of blind spots on the instrument cluster during lane changes.

High Beam Assist (HBA)


Automatically adjusts between high and low beams based on oncoming 
traffic to enhance nighttime visibility.

Safety Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4-Star Global NCAP)
Features: ADAS Level 2, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, 6 airbags
Pros: Tech-loaded, great ride comfort, good resale value
Cons: No diesel automatic variant

4. Feature-Packed xUV 700

Price: ₹14 – ₹26 Lakh


Safety Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5-Star Global NCAP)



Features: ADAS (Autonomous braking, lane assist), 7 airbags, Alexa-enabled cockpit


Pros: Powerful engine options, futuristic features
Cons: Long waiting period



5. Toyota Innova Hycross – Reliable MPV

Price: ₹18 – ₹30 Lakh


Safety Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5-Star ASEAN NCAP)



Features: Hybrid engine, Toyota Safety Sense, 6 airbags, radar-based cruise control


Pros: Spacious, fuel-efficient hybrid
Cons: Expensive top variants

Airbags

6 Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain) – Standard on higher variants

Braking & Stability

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) – Prevents wheel lock-up during braking
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) – Ensures even brake force distribution
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – Improves stability during sudden maneuvers
Traction Control System (TCS) – Prevents wheel spin on slippery surfaces

Advanced Safety (ADAS - Toyota Safety Sense)

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – Maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) – Helps keep the vehicle centered in the lane
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Detects obstacles and applies brakes if needed
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) – Alerts about vehicles in blind spots

Parking & Visibility

360-degree Camera – Provides a bird’s-eye view for easier parking
Rear Parking Sensors & Camera – Assists in safe parking and reversing
Auto High Beam Assist – Adjusts headlight intensity based on oncoming traffic

Child Safety

ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors – Ensures secure child seat installation
Rear Door Child Lock – Prevents accidental opening from inside

Indian Car Safety Features: A Growing Priority for Automakers

In recent years, car safety has become a significant concern for Indian consumers. With rising road accidents and increasing awareness about vehicle safety, automakers are now focusing on equipping their cars with advanced safety features. In this article, we will explore the key safety features found in modern Indian cars and how they enhance passenger protection.

Mandatory Safety Features

The Indian government has implemented stringent safety norms to ensure passenger protection. As per recent regulations, all new cars must be equipped with the following mandatory safety features:

  • Dual Front Airbags: Protect the driver and front passenger in case of a collision.

  • ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution): Prevents wheels from locking up and helps maintain vehicle control during emergency braking.

  • Rear Parking Sensors: Assist drivers in reversing by detecting obstacles behind the vehicle.

  • Seat Belt Reminder: Alerts the driver and front passenger if they are not wearing seat belts.

  • Speed Alert System: Notifies the driver when the vehicle exceeds a set speed limit.

Advanced Safety Features in Modern Cars

Apart from mandatory safety features, several automakers are offering advanced safety technologies to enhance protection. Some of these include:

  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps prevent skidding and loss of control by applying brakes selectively to individual wheels.

  • Hill Hold Assist: Prevents the car from rolling backward when starting on an incline.

  • ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts: Ensures secure and easy installation of child seats.

  • Side and Curtain Airbags: Provide additional protection in case of side impacts.

  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Alerts the driver in case of low tyre pressure.

  • 360-degree Camera & Blind Spot Monitoring: Improves visibility and reduces blind spots while driving.

Global NCAP Ratings and Indian Cars

The Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests have played a crucial role in raising safety standards in India. Cars like the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV700, and Volkswagen Virtus have received high safety ratings, demonstrating the growing commitment of Indian automakers to safety. Consumers are now actively considering safety ratings before purchasing a car, pushing manufacturers to design safer vehicles.

The Road Ahead for Car Safety in India

With the Indian automobile market evolving, we can expect further advancements in safety technologies. Features such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Warning are slowly making their way into mass-market cars. Additionally, stricter crash test norms and awareness campaigns will continue to improve overall vehicle safety.

Car safety in India has seen remarkable progress in recent years. With mandatory regulations, consumer awareness, and automaker initiatives, the future of road safety looks promising. As buyers, prioritizing safety over mere aesthetics or performance can lead to a significant reduction in road fatalities. When purchasing a car, always consider its safety features and crash test ratings to make an informed decision.


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