In a boost to its passenger vehicles business, Tata’s compact sedan Zest has secured a 4-star safety rating in the Global NCAP crash test.
Zest is also reported to be the first passenger vehicle from an Indian company to get such a high rating for safety. Tata Zest has moved from zero to 4-stars, a significant achievement, and the new vehicle structure is expected to be adopted on all versions of the vehicle.
As part of the #SaferCarsforIndia campaign, Global NCAP, a UK-based safety and testing organisation, tested two versions of the Tata Zest - the standard non-airbag version, and new version with optional airbags.
The standard non-airbag version resulted in a disappointing zero star score for adult occupant protection and one star for child occupant protection.
As has been the case with other manufacturers, Global NCAP offered Tata the opportunity to test another version of the Zest with more safety features. Accepting the opportunity, Tata introduced a structural improvement to the entire Zest range, while Global NCAP tested the new version with optional airbags, according to a statement.
The Zest with two airbags and two pre-tensioners showed substantial improvements and, together with the seat belt reminder in the driver seat, the Zest achieved an impressive four star score in adult occupant protection.
Tata also selected other child restraint systems for the airbag version, improving the rear seat child occupant protection to 2 stars. The company has also announced that the improvements made to the structure will be brought to the entire vehicle range, for both airbag and non-airbag versions.
“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 four star rated option. We also urge Tata to consider making the two airbag versions of the Zest their basic model,” said David Ward, Secretary General of Global NCAP.
In this category of compact sedans, Toyota’s Etios model secured a 4-star safety rating for adult occupant safety in February this year.