$6000 cars slammed in Global NCAP crash tests

Several car brands have been called out for offering stripped out budget cars in emerging markets that fall well short of global standards.

GlobalNCAP crash tested the Datsun Redi-Go.

Crash testing authorities have slammed entry-level hatchbacks with minimal safety features sold in developing markets.

Global NCAP tested a variety of budget-friendly models sold in India, where manufacturers such as Hyundai, Nissan and Suzuki sell stripped-out cars which would not meet Australian standards.

Updated Indian road rules require cars to have ABS brakes and a single driver’s airbag, at a minimum.

Nissan’s entry-level Datsun Redi-Go, a $5800 hatchback with a 0.8-litre engine, received a one-star result in the latest round of testing.

Global NCAP said the Datsun’s body structure was “unstable”, and that “the poor protection of the driver chest means that there is a high probability of life threatening injuries” in a crash.

The Hyundai Santro scored a two-star result.

Hyundai’s Santro fared better with a two-star result, while Maruti Suzuki’s WagonR and Ertiga earned two and three-star scores.

Indian autos blog reported that the low scores “bring shame to India”, a country established as a manufacturing hub for the region.

Global NCAP said “it’s obvious to us that more can and should be done to improve overall protection levels for cars sold in the market”.

The organisation has previously criticised carmakers for selling sub-par models in developing nations. Renault’s Dacia was censured in 2017 for selling cars with smaller airbags in India than those offered to other markets.

At the time, Rohit Baluja, President of the Institute of Road Traffic Education, told Outlook India that “Indian consumers should no longer be subject to second class status on occupant protection from global manufacturers who achieve high levels of safety in other markets”.