Honda Amaze scores 2-star Global NCAP crash test rating
New Delhi: “Honda Amaze Sedan Receives 2-Star Adult Occupant and 0-Star Child Occupant Protection Ratings in Global NCAP Evaluation” In a recent evaluation conducted under its new protocol, Global NCAP assessed the safety performance of the Honda Amaze sedan, awarding it a 2-star rating for adult occupant protection and a concerning 0-star rating for child occupant protection. Notably, the Honda Amaze is among the final vehicles to undergo testing within Global NCAP’s Safer Cars for India initiative, as the country transitions to its own Bharat NCAP safety assessment program. These ratings underscore the importance of prioritizing vehicle safety, particularly in emerging markets like India. As automotive safety standards evolve and regulatory frameworks adapt, manufacturers are increasingly challenged to ensure the highest levels of occupant protection across all vehicle segments.
Honda Amaze Global NCAP score explained
The Amaze had secured a 4-star adult and 1-star child occupant protection rating back in 2019. But, this was the made-in-India model that was sold in the South African market. As per Global NCAP’s report, the dummies of both children showed head contact in the frontal impact test. The three-year-old child dummy suffered from high loadings in the chest and neck, while the one and a half year old dummy was at risk of being ejected. Furthermore, the lack of three point seat belts in all seating positions, the lack of a passenger airbag disconnection switch as well as just one provision for CRS installation resulted in a 0-star rating for child occupant protection. Meanwhile, the adult occupant protection score was low due to the lack of optional side head protection, absence of ESC as standard as well as a seat belt reminder for the driver only. Interestingly, Honda had recently updated its entire line-up in India with additional safety features, a move that saw the Amaze gain seat belt reminders for all five seats. Had the newer model been tested, the safety rating could have been slightly different.
Honda’s response to the crash test
Honda Cars India issued an official statement addressing the recent Global NCAP evaluation of the Honda Amaze sedan under new protocols. The statement emphasized that despite the lower rating, the car maintains safety standards comparable to a 5-star level, attributing the discrepancy to the absence of certain equipment such as Electronic Stability Control and Side Curtain Airbags. Furthermore, Honda reaffirmed its commitment to continuously enhance vehicle safety across all parameters and expressed intentions to further improve safety features at model change timing. The timing of the crash test, considering the imminent launch of an all-new model later this year, was noted as unconventional. This situation mirrors a similar occurrence in 2022 when the Honda Jazz and Gen4 Honda City underwent testing shortly before being discontinued. Honda suggested that Global NCAP should have chosen the Elevate SUV, launched in 2023, for a more relevant assessment aimed at providing consumer advice. Safety features offered on the Honda Amaze include ABS with EBD, dual frontal airbags, rear parking sensors, rear multi-view camera, high-speed alert, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages.
The sedan is competitively priced between Rs 7.93 lakh-9.86 lakh (ex-showroom) and competes against models like the Hyundai Aura and Tata Tigor in the market.
