Safety Concerns: Honda Amaze Scores 2-Star Rating In Global NCAP Evaluation
The safety of vehicles has become an increasingly crucial consideration for both car manufacturers and prospective buyers in India. In a recent evaluation conducted by Global NCAP, the Honda Amaze, a popular sub-4 metre sedan, has garnered a two-star safety rating, raising concerns about occupant protection.
The Honda Amaze, part of the last batch of cars assessed by Global NCAP before the transition to Bharat NCAP”s safety assessment program, received a lackluster two-star rating for adult protection of the occupant and a disappointing zero-star rating for child occupant protection. This downgrade comes as a surprise, considering the Amaze had previously achieved a commendable four-star rating for adult protection and one star for child protection back in 2019 under the previous Global NCAP protocols.
However, when subjected to the more stringent evaluation criteria of Global NCAP, the results for the Amaze took a downward turn. Alejandro Furas, the Secretary General of Global NCAP, expressed regret over Honda”s failure to seize the opportunity to enhance the safety features of the Amaze, which he believes contributed to its disappointing score.
In response to the crash test results, Honda Cars India Limited (HCIL) acknowledged the discrepancy between the previous and current ratings. HCIL highlighted that the South Africa-spec second-generation Amaze had previously achieved a four-star rating in 2019 and reiterated their commitment to safety. However, the latest assessment revealed a drop in the rating due to the absence of certain safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Side Curtain Airbags.
The adult occupant protection score of the Amaze suffered due to the lack of optional side head protection, the absence of standard ESC, and the omission of a driver-only seat belt reminder. Similarly, child occupant protection was compromised by the absence of three-point seat belts in all seating positions and a passenger airbag disconnection switch. Additionally, the failure of some Child Restraint Systems (CRSs) during installation contributed to the zero-star rating for child occupant protection.
Despite the setback, Honda reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing vehicle safety across its entire model range. The company emphasized its commitment to integrating advanced active and passive safety technologies into their products and pledged to continue working towards improving safety standards in future model iterations.
The Honda Amaze”s performance in the Global NCAP crash tests underscores the importance of prioritizing safety features in vehicles, especially in a market like India where road safety is a pressing concern. As car buyers increasingly prioritize safety ratings in their purchase decisions, manufacturers are compelled to prioritize safety enhancements to meet evolving consumer expectations and regulatory standards.
