In the latest series of crash tests carried out by Global NCAP on cars under its 'Safer Cars for India' campaign for 2017, Chevrolet’s Enjoy got a score of zero stars, while Ford’s Aspire has been rated three stars for adult occupant protection. The test car for the Chevrolet Enjoy was the basic non-airbag-equipped version in its line-up. The car’s ratings were dismal as the safety watchdog observed driver injuries would have been unacceptably high due to the lack of airbags and poor structural performance. It also scored a mere two stars for rear-seat child occupant protection.
Ford’s Aspire, however, fared better, but only in comparison, since it is fitted with dual airbags as standard. It only scored two stars for child protection. Interestingly, Alejandro Furas, Global NCAP technical director, suggested that the results could also be extended to the next-gen Figo as well, since it is the hatchback version of the Aspire sedan. Protection offered to the driver head and chest in the Enjoy was poor whereas in the Aspire, it was good. However, the bodyshell was rated as unstable for both the vehicles and they were deemed not capable of withstanding any further loadings.
Commenting on the results, David Ward, secretary general of Global NCAP, said, “Ford’s three-star result shows that basic levels of safety are achievable as standard in the Indian vehicle market. In contrast, we are extremely concerned about the poor result of the Chevrolet Enjoy. There is nothing to enjoy about a zero-star safety score and GM should be embarrassed that they are selling cars with such inadequate levels of occupant protection to Indian consumers."
Over 64,000 people die in in road crashes, caused by speeding, every year. Rohit Baluja, president of the Institute of Road Traffic Education, said. “In 2014, our first year of Indian testing, the Ford Figo scored zero stars. This year, it has scored three. Ford has demonstrated that progress is possible and, importantly, this progress will save lives in India,” Baluja added.
