The Honda Amaze, a popular sub-compact sedan in India, recently underwent crash testing by Global NCAP. While the 2019 model achieved a respectable 4-star rating for adult occupant protection, the results for the 2024 model paint a concerning picture. The latest iteration scored only 2 stars in adult occupant protection and a dismal 0 stars for child occupant safety. Let’s delve deeper into this decline in safety ratings and explore the reasons behind it.
A Tale of Two Amaze: Evolution (or Regression) Over Time
The Honda Amaze debuted in the Indian market in 2013, offering a choice between a 1.2-liter petrol engine and a 1.5-liter diesel engine. Back then, crucial safety features like dual front airbags and even ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) were not standard equipment.
The year 2018 witnessed the launch of the second-generation Amaze in India, with exports to other markets like South Africa. This iteration underwent crash testing by Global NCAP in 2019, securing a 4-star rating for adult occupant protection and a single star for child occupant safety. The same year saw the inclusion of dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages as standard features.
Fast forward to 2021, and the second-generation Amaze received a facelift with minor design tweaks and additional features. This is the model currently available for purchase. While its safety equipment now includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and a seatbelt reminder for all seats as standard, the recent Global NCAP results raise serious concerns.
Global NCAP’s Shifting Landscape: Raising the Bar for Safety
Previously, Global NCAP’s crash testing for Indian cars primarily focused on the presence of front airbags, ABS, and overall structural integrity. The evaluation involved only frontal offset barrier crash tests, with ratings assigned in two categories: adult occupant protection (out of 17 points) and child occupant protection (out of 49 points).
However, 2022 marked a significant shift as Global NCAP implemented stricter assessment protocols. The current testing regime goes beyond the frontal offset test, incorporating side impact, side pole impact, and pedestrian protection evaluations. Furthermore, achieving the coveted 5-star rating now necessitates several additional safety features as standard equipment, including electronic stability control (ESC), six airbags, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. The adult occupant protection score has also been revamped, with points awarded on a scale of 34.
A Closer Look at the Honda Amaze’s Crash Test Performance
Adult Occupant Protection (AOP): A Missed Opportunity
While both the 2019 and 2024 Amaze models offered “good” protection for the driver and front passenger’s head and neck in the frontal impact test, their chest protection ratings were categorized as “adequate.” Both versions also exhibited “marginal” protection for the knees of the driver and front passenger.
Encouragingly, the body shell integrity and footwell area in both the 2019 and 2024 Amaze were rated as stable. However, a critical factor contributing to the 2024 model’s disappointing AOP rating is the omission of essential safety features like ESC and side curtain airbags, which are now mandatory under the latest Global NCAP protocol.
Child Occupant Protection (COP): A Cause for Concern
The 2019 Amaze utilized ISOFIX child seats for the 3-year-old child in the forward-facing position. While these seats prevented excessive forward movement during the impact, the child’s head was exposed during the rebound, and the chest experienced high loads. For the 18-month-old child, the rearward-facing child seat malfunctioned upon impact, rotating the system and causing head exposure.
The 2024 model, while using ISOFIX anchorages for the 3-year-old child’s forward-facing seat, didn’t entirely prevent head contact with the car’s interior. In the case of the 18-month-old, the rearward-facing child seat failed to provide adequate protection or prevent ejection, resulting in a zero score for this crucial test.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why did the Honda Amaze’s crash test ratings drop from 4 stars to 2 stars in adult occupant protection?
A: The decline in safety ratings can be attributed to the omission of crucial safety features such as electronic stability control (ESC) and side curtain airbags in the 2024 version.
Q: What caused the decrease in child occupant protection ratings from 1 star to zero stars?
A: Changes in child seat installation methods and inadequate protection mechanisms in the 2024 version led to the decline in child occupant safety ratings.
Q: Why did the Honda Amaze’s safety rating decline in the 2024 Global NCAP crash test?
A: The 2024 Amaze received a lower rating compared to the 2019 model due to the omission of crucial safety features like ESC and side curtain airbags, which are now mandatory under the latest Global NCAP protocols.
Q: What are some of the safety features missing in the 2024 Honda Amaze?
A: The 2024 Honda Amaze lacks essential safety features like electronic stability control (ESC) and side curtain airbags, both of which are now mandatory for achieving a good safety rating in the latest Global NCAP tests.
