Citroen Aircross Earns Top Safety Nod in India – Great News for Compact SUV Shoppers
Hey folks, if you’re in the market for a reliable compact SUV that doesn’t skimp on safety, keep an eye on the Citroen Aircross. This little guy just aced India’s tough Bharat NCAP crash tests, snagging a full five-star rating for adult protection. It’s the kind of result that makes you feel a bit better about hitting the road with the family.
So, what’s the deal? Bharat NCAP is basically India’s version of those global safety benchmarks we hear about from Euro NCAP or our own NHTSA here in the States. They put cars through the wringer with frontal offset crashes, side impacts, and more to see how well they shield occupants. For the Aircross – that’s the five-seater C3 model – testers clocked in at 27.05 out of 32 points for adult occupant protection. That’s solid, translating to “good” or “adequate” safeguards for the head, neck, chest, and legs in both front and side hits. No major weak spots, which is huge in a segment where some rivals still lag behind.
It didn’t quite max out on child safety, earning four stars with 40 out of 49 points. Still, that’s respectable – think strong performance from child restraint systems and decent side protection for little ones. Citroen, the French brand that’s been making waves in emerging markets, says this underscores their commitment to everyday safety without jacking up the price tag. The Aircross starts around the equivalent of $15,000 in India, packing features like six airbags, electronic stability control, and hill-hold assist as standard.
Why should this matter to us across the pond? Well, Citroen has a history of bringing affordable, quirky rides to the U.S., and with safety regs tightening worldwide, scores like this could pave the way for more models here. In a world where distractions are everywhere, it’s reassuring to see automakers prioritizing the basics. If you’re eyeing a crossover soon, this one’s worth watching – proof that safe doesn’t have to mean stuffy.