India’s largest-selling cars & their safety ratings: Dzire, Nexon, Punch shine; expected better from Baleno- Moneycontrol.com
All four models were among top 10 best-selling cars in India in FY26.
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Tata Nexon, Tata Punch and Maruti Suzuki Baleno were among the largest-selling cars in India in FY26. While these cars are immensely popular among buyers looking for relatively affordable models, you will be surprised to know their safety ratings.
The Dzire, Nexon and Punch have garnered five stars in both adult occupant protection (AOP) and child occupant protection (COP) categories at Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP).
However, the Baleno scored four stars in the AOP category and only three stars in the COP category at Bharat NCAP.
The Dzire bagged 29.46 points out of 32 in AOP and 41.57 points out of 49 in COP. The Nexon scored 29.41 points in AOP and 43.83 points in COP, while the Punch clocked 30.58 points in AOP and 45 points in COP. The Baleno received 26.52 points in AOP and 34.81 points in COP.
For reference, the cars at Bharat NCAP are assessed based on their performance in three key areas of adult occupant protection (AOP), child occupant protection (COP) and safety assist technologies.
The crash tests include the frontal offset deformable barrier test, the side movable deformable barrier test and the side pole impact test. The frontal test is conducted at a speed of 64kmph, the side test at 50kmph and the side pole test at 29kmph. The cars are then rated on a scale of one to five stars.
The Dzire, Nexon, Punch and Baleno come with six airbags, seatbelt reminder and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard. They also comply with pedestrian protection norms.
All four models were among the 10 largest-selling cars in India in FY26. Besides, only these four models in the top 10 have been tested at Bharat NCAP for safety assessment.
The Dzire took the numero uno position at 2,29,130 units, immediately followed by the Nexon at 2,16,054 units. The Punch posted sales of 1,83,980 units, while the Baleno was at 1,72,560 units.
Key Insights
- This topic is currently trending
- Experts are closely monitoring developments
- It may impact future decisions
