Global NCAP Crash Test: Ford Aspire Scores 3 Stars, Chevrolet Enjoy Gets 0

The NCAP has turned its eyes towards American automakers operating in India. The first India-made cars to be crash-tested in 2017 include the Ford Figo Aspire and the Chevrolet Enjoy. The agency chose base-spec versions of both cars for the crash test – here's the low-down. 

Chevrolet Enjoy 

As expected, the Enjoy scored a worrying zero stars in the crash test for adult-occupant protection. "The protection offered to the driver head and chest was poor and for this reason the star capping was applied," reads the official fact sheet of the crash test. One can also note weak protection for the front occupants' limbs, which NCAP says "could impact with dangerous structures in the dashboard like the Tran fascia tube". To make matters worse, the bodyshell was deemed to be unstable as well and "not capable of withstanding any further loadings".

Ford Aspire

Ford has been among the forerunners in offering safety tech as standard, and offers as many as six airbags in the top-spec versions of the Figo and its sedan sibling, the Aspire. The base-spec Aspire scored a respectable three stars for adult-occupant protection and two for child safety. "The protection offered to the driver and passenger’s head and neck was good thanks to the airbag," reads the fact sheet. The Aspire could have fared better, but the lack of seatbelt pretensioners and anti-lock brakes lowered the overall score. Interestingly, the Aspire's body structure was classified as unstable as well. 

Recommended Read: Bajaj Qute’s one star EuroNCAP rating: an analysis

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. It is also encouraging to see progress in safety compared to the earlier version of the Figo we tested in 2014." Choosing not to mince words regarding Chevrolet, he added, "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.”

With India's own crash test regulations around the corner, we're certain manufacturers won’t be able to get away with selling unsafe cars. Maruti Suzuki quietly prepped the Ciaz and the Ertiga to meet norms, and all cars in the Nexa bandwagon already comply with the requirements. Similarly, cars such as the Volkswagen Polo and the Toyota Etios have already proven their safety mettle in the Global NCAP crash tests. The future is safe(r), folks! 

Also check:

- Tata Zest Scores Four Stars In Global NCAP Crash Test

- 2016 Global NCAP crash test: Five Indian cars receive 0 stars