Survey Reveals Safety Ratings And Airbags Are More Important Than Fuel Economy In Car Buying Decisions

As per a recent consumer survey, 9 out of 10 Indian car buyers want all models to have a crash test safety rating

Skoda Auto India commissioned a customer survey with NIQ BASES, regarding feature preferences while choosing a personal car. Now, the results have revealed that state that car buyers today place a significant priority on vehicle safety in terms of features on offer and a safety rating before making their purchase decision. 

The survey covered 1,000 people across 10 states and asked them to choose their top preferences while buying a new car from a list of 10 key features. According to the shared results, the top importance score was assigned to the car’s crash test rating (22.7 percent), followed by the number of airbags (21.6 percent) and then fuel efficiency (15 percent). The other feature choices in the survey were roof type, ventilated or non-ventilated seats, electronic stability control, build quality, transmission type, body-type, and performance and dynamics. 

Factoring in the preference for electronic stability control, 47.6 percent of the respondents prioritised safety features over others in their car buying decision.

Also Read: How Big Is The Honda Elevate When Compared To Its Compact SUV Rivals?

As per the survey, close to 22.2 percent buyers preferred a car with five-star ratings, and just 6.8 percent were willing to pick a zero-star rated car. Currently, we have eight cars with strong five-star safety ratings from Global NCAP: 

1. Volkswagen Virtus / Skoda Slavia

2. Volkswagen Taigun / Skoda Kushaq

3. Mahindra XUV700

4. Mahindra Scorpio N 

5. Tata Punch

6. Tata Altroz

7. Tata Nexon

8. Mahindra XUV300

Besides this, we also have over 10 cars which have scored four stars in the GNCAP crash tests. This shows that several manufacturers are working towards safer cars and aim to ensure the safety of passengers if involved in an accident. 

The Indian government is also pushing manufacturers to make safer and stronger cars. Over the years, features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, seat belt reminders, speed alert system, and rear parking sensors have been mandated for every car. Furthermore, an alternative to the GNCAP is also being pieced together, a localised crash test rating system that will be called the Bharat NCAP. While additional safety will make cars pricier than before, it is a cost worth paying.

Read More on : Slavia on road price