Full Frontal, Rear Impact Tests & ADAS Evaluation to Enhance Vehicle Safety by 2027
What Is Bharat NCAP 2.0?
Bharat NCAP 2.0 is the upcoming version of India’s voluntary car safety assessment programme, scheduled for implementation by late 2027. Building upon the current Bharat NCAP protocol (active since October 2023), this new iteration aims to intensify crash testing standards and make Indian vehicles safer than ever before.
Expanded Crash Testing: Full Frontal & Rear Impact
The key upgrade in BNCAP 2.0 is the addition of full frontal and rear impact crash tests.
- Current tests include frontal offset, side impact, and side pole collisions.
- The new full frontal crash test will assess the entire front width of the vehicle, providing more realistic data about head-on collisions.
- The rear impact test, a first for Indian NCAP standards, will assess how vehicles protect occupants during rear-end collisions.
These enhancements will help bridge the gap between Indian and global safety testing norms.
Better Crash Test Dummies for Accurate Data
Bharat NCAP 2.0 will deploy technically advanced dummies for more accurate results.
- The new dummies will be used especially in side pole impact tests.
- These next-gen dummies offer better injury data collection, ensuring that the crash results reflect real-world scenarios more precisely.
ADAS Features to Be Put Under the Microscope
BNCAP 2.0 will also evaluate Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a major leap forward.
- Features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control are increasingly found in Indian cars.
- The focus is on ensuring ADAS works effectively in Indian traffic conditions.
- Authorities want these systems to be functional and user-friendly, not just present for the sake of compliance.
Infrastructure Already in Place
The International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) has confirmed that the testing infrastructure for BNCAP 2.0 is ready.
- This indicates that India is well-prepared to conduct higher-complexity crash tests and ADAS evaluations.
- The initiative also aligns with global standards like Euro NCAP and Global NCAP, making Indian vehicles more competitive internationally.
24 Vehicles Tested So Far: A Snapshot
Since its launch in October 2023, Bharat NCAP has assessed 24 vehicle models, with most scoring top marks:
| Model | AOP | COP Rating |
|———-|———————-|
| Tata Safari | 5 | 5 |
| Tata Harrier (ICE/EV) | 5 | 5 |
| Tata Nexon (ICE/EV) | 5 | 5 |
| Mahindra XUV 3XO | 5 | 5 |
| Maruti Dzire | 5 | 5 |
| Toyota Innova Hycross | 5 | 5 |
| Maruti Baleno | 4 | 3 |
| Citroen Basalt | 4 | 4 |
- Ratings are awarded out of 5 for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP).
- The consistent 5-star scores reflect manufacturers’ growing commitment to safety.
A Step Towards Safer Roads
BNCAP 2.0 isn’t just about more tests—it’s a vision to make road safety a national priority.
- By introducing rear and full frontal crash tests, it closes critical safety gaps.
- Enhanced dummies and ADAS evaluation ensure data accuracy and real-world relevance.
- The goal is not just to improve vehicle design, but also to influence consumer awareness and buying decisions.
