Citroen Aircross Score A Rather Disappointing Zero Stars In The Latin NCAP Crash Test

With safety protocols becoming stricter and the increasing awareness about buying safer cars, it has become essential for carmakers to give top priority to the safety factor. Citroen’s made-in-Brazil Aircross, was crash tested by the Latin NCAP. In the test, the three-row SUV has managed to score a poor 0 star rating. 

However, the ratings do not give the entire picture. In the crash test, the footwell area and bodyshell was rated as stable and the latter was capable of withstanding further loadings. This means that in an unforeseen real-world crash, the damage to the car and passengers might not be as drastic as other 0 star rated cars we have seen in India before. 

We suspect that the absence of some crucial safety features have led to this upsetting result. The key remarks by the Latin NCAP stated that the lack of 6 airbags, absence of side head protection and auto emergency braking (AEB) City as standard fitment was a big miss. Other features that were missing included the passenger airbag disconnection feature and although the ISOFIX anchorages were present, its markings did not meet the Latin NCAP’s criteria. Lack of features like seatbelt reminders for rear seats, lane assist system and speed assist system could have also affected the ratings. 

Do note that the side impact pole test was not carried out as side head protection was not offered as standard. We believe that not performing this crucial test might be one of the key factors for the poor score. The disappointing score was a result of a combined poor score in both Adult and Child Occupant Protection. Here’s a detailed look at the crash test:

Adult Occupant Protection (AOP)

In terms of Adult Occupant Protection, the Aircross scored just 33 percent (score of 13.20). In the frontal offset deformable barrier it received 9.83 out of 16 and in the side movable deformable barrier test it scored 7.37 out of 8. 

The driver and co-driver’s neck and head received good protection, while the driver’s and passenger’s chest showed marginal protection and weak protection, respectively. 

The knee area of both driver and co-driver received marginal protection. Driver and passenger’s left tibias were protected adequately, while the co-driver’s right tibia received good protection. 

In the side impact test, the head, abdomen and pelvis received good protection. The chest protection was marked adequate. 

Child Occupant Protection (COP)

Overall Score: 5.57 points (11 percent) 

In the Child Occupant Protection, the Citroen Aircross received 0 out of 24 in the Dynamic score. For the 18-month old’s front and side protection, the dynamic score was 7.64 out of 8 and 4 out of 4, respectively. The 3-year old child’s dynamic score for the frontal impact was a perfect 8 out of 8, and the same for the sides was 4 out of 4. 

The seat for the 3-year-old child was installed rearward facing using the ISOFIX anchorages and support leg. It was able to prevent head exposure and offered good protection. For the 1.5 year old child, the seat was installed rearward facing using ISOFIX anchorages and support leg, and the head exposure was prevented as it got almost full protection.

Here's what the Stellantis India spokesperson had to say about the test:

“At Stellantis, we remain dedicated to offering customers clean, safe, and affordable mobility with products that fulfil the most stringent regulations across the world. we strive to enhance the safety features of each new generation of vehicles. As part of our ongoing product improvement efforts, we consider the new third-party assessments and integrate proven technological solutions into our engineering process where relevant. Stellantis believes there is no single way to measure vehicle safety; third-party assessments are one of many inputs used when designing the safety of our vehicles.

In India, the safety of our customers is at the core of everything we do. Our vehicles come with six airbags, ISOFIX, and a rear seatbelt reminder across the entire lineup. The newly launched Citroën Basalt, with its 4-star Bharat NCAP rating, exemplifies this commitment to safety, innovation, and engineering excellence.

We take pride in delivering vehicles that combine safety, performance, and advanced features, tailored for Indian consumers. Every vehicle we develop in India reflects our deep understanding of local needs and aspirations, designed independently to meet the country’s unique regulations and priorities.”

A Little About Its Safety Features

The Brazil-spec Aircross missed out a couple of safety features and some of its existing safety kits did not meet the criteria of the Latin NCAP and were not up to the mark. The Brazil-spec model misses out on 6 airbags, however, the Aircross sold in India gets 6 airbags.

The India-spec Aircross is packed with six standard airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill hold assist, seat-belt reminder for all passengers, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX mounts and a reversing camera with parking sensors.

For more details about the Aircross, head over to our story. 

India-spec Citroen Aircross: Price And Rivals 

The Citroen Aircross which retails in India is priced between Rs 8.49 lakh to Rs 14.54 lakh (ex-showroom). It competes with the mid-spec variants of the Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor and Honda Elevate. It is also an alternative to the Tata Curvv and Citroen Basalt.