Safety does not really come on our priority list when we happen to buy a car. We are certainly concerned about the features, engine, transmission and of course “Kitnaa deti hai?”. But safety and airbags never bother us. Many of us do ask about the safety features; ironically most of us don’t even know what does ABS or EBD do.
To make us aware of the importance of safety in a car, the Global NCAP had started, i.e., the New Car Assessment Program. The Global NCAP rates the cars after conducting proper crash tests.
Recently, this crash test was conducted on the domestic automaker, TATA’s sub 4-meter sedan category – The Zest.
The crash test was carried out as part of the Safer Cars for India campaign and Global NCAP tested two versions of the Tata Zest - a standard non-airbag version and an updated version of the Zest with dual airbags. While the former scored a Zero Star rating, the latter scored the 4-star rating in the crash test.
TATA Zest with no airbags
The Global NCAP rest resulted in a big disappointment fir the company. The Zest scored a big zero for the adult occupant protection and one star for child occupant protection.
After this disastrous test, Tata was given another change to modify the Zest and pack the car with additional safety features, which Tata offered as optional.
TATA Zest with dual airbags
Now this variant scored a 4-star rating in the crash test. The winning Tata Zest offered improved safety features like two airbags (optional) and two pretensioners with substantial improvements, and seatbelt reminder for the driver seat. Tata had also selected other child restraint systems for the airbag version, improving the rear seat child occupant protection to 2 stars.
David Ward, Secretary General of Global NCAP said, "Tata has shown how they can dramatically improve the safety of the Zest. It is encouraging to see a major Indian brand improving the safety of their models. We strongly encourage Indian consumers to opt for the much safer 4-star rated option. We also urge Tata to consider making the two airbag version of the Zest their basic model."
