The recently revealed and soon to be launched Tata Punch micro SUV has achieved a five--star rating for adult occupant protection and four stars for child occupant protection in Global NCAP’s latest #SaferCarsForIndia crash tests.

The Tata Punch was tested in the most basic safety specification, fitted with two airbags, ABS brakes and ISOFIX anchorages. The Punch can be improved by equipping the model with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), side head impact protection systems as standard, and 3 point belts in all seating positions. It is important to highlight once again Tata’s decision to install both child occupant’s as rearward facing, demonstrating that this position offers the best safety option as both child dummies received good protection.

The Punch was tested in compliance with the requirements of Global NCAP’s voluntary test procedure. According to Alejandro Furas, Secretary General of Global NCAP, "“Tata has once again achieved a top safety rating for adult protection and four stars for children in a new and popular model category. This voluntary test result confirms the direction of Tata’s journey towards safer cars for India. Our test procedures demonstrate Tata’s progress in becoming one of the safety leaders in the Indian market with our current protocols. As the protocols evolve to include electronic stability control (ESC), side impact head protection and pedestrian protection, we would encourage Tata to maintain this leadership position.”

David Ward, President of the Towards Zero Foundation said, “We are obviously delighted with Tata’s safety result in this voluntary test. Global NCAP encourages manufacturers to participate in our programme on a voluntary basis to help create a market for safety. It is very satisfying to see leading manufacturers like Tata and Mahindra engage so positively with our #SaferCarsforIndia agenda.

“It remains disappointing that not all car makers in the Indian market have such a strong commitment to safety improvements.”

TESTERS NOTES
Adult occupant protection: The protection offered to the driver and passenger’s head and neck was good. Driver and passenger’s chest showed good protection. Driver and passenger knees showed good protection. Driver tibias showed adequate protection while passenger’s tibias showed adequate and good protection. The bodyshell was rated as stable and it was capable of withstanding further loadings. Footwell area was rated as stable. The car offers standard Seat Belt Reminders (SBR) for driver and passenger. The car pass UN95 side impact test, it has front passengers SBR that pass the requirements and it offers standard ABS (4 channel). All of the above explained the five star rating for adult occupant protection.

Child Occupant Protection: The child seat for the 3 year old and 1.5 year old were installed rearward facing with ISOFIX connectors and support leg. The CRS was able to prevent excessive forward movement during the impact and offered good protection to the head and chest of both dummies. CRS marking was permanent. The recommended CRS did not show incompatibility. The vehicle offers a lap belt in the rear centre position. The car has standard ISOFIX anchorages. All of the above explained the four star rating for child occupant protection.

Commenting on the Punch’s performance , Shailesh Chandra, President, Passenger Vehicles Business, Tata Motors, said: “SUVs are the ideal solution for Indian customers as they offer a perfect balance of performance, comfort and durability suited for Indian roads.  When we were developing the Punch, we were very clear that despite its compact size, we wanted to offer customers a holistic package. The Punch reinforces the four core pillars that define all Tata SUVs – stunning design, versatile and engaging performance, roomy and spacious interiors, and absolute safety. We are proud to have delivered yet another product that will be regarded as the safest passenger vehicle on Indian roads. This landmark achievement by Tata Motors is also a testament of the fact that the automotive industry in India is capable of delivering the highest global standards of safety in vehicles.”

According to Mr Rajendra Petkar, President & Chief Technology Officer, Tata Motors, “We are delighted to offer yet another 5-star rated car from our stable – the Tata Punch. It is an Industry first achievement in the sub-compact SUV segment and a testimony to Tata Motors continued commitment and leadership on product safety. This achievement is in line with our philosophy that vehicle safety should be made accessible to all. Getting the GNCAP 5-star for vehicle program comes as an outcome of the relentless hard work put in by cross-functional teams across the organisation, including our supplier partners. Together they have delivered yet another excellent package consisting of an outstanding structural integrity while deploying ‘digital-first’ strategy.”