The third-generation Honda Amaze has tested at Bharat NCAP crash tests and earned a prestigious 5-star rating for adult occupant protection (AOP) and 4 stars for child occupant protection (COP) in Bharat NCAP crash tests, marking a huge leap for family sedans in India. Imagine zipping down a busy highway with your loved ones, knowing the car’s structure holds firm like a protective cocoon during a sudden collision—this is the peace of mind these scores deliver.
Adult Protection Breakdown
Bharat NCAP crash tests in the frontal offset deformable barrier test, mimicking a head-on crash at 64 km/h, the Amaze scored 14.33 out of 16, offering average-to-good protection for the driver and good for the passenger, with stable footwell and bodyshell integrity. The side movable deformable barrier test fetched 14 out of 16, though the driver’s chest showed marginal protection, while the side pole test was rated okay overall, leading to a stellar adult dynamic score of 23.81/24. Standard features like six airbags (dual front, side thorax, and curtain), belt pretensioners with load limiters, ESC, and seatbelt reminders across variants (V CVT, VX CVT, ZX MT) make real-world crashes far less terrifying.
Child Safety Insights
Bharat NCAP crash tests Child protection hit 40.81 out of 49 points, with near-perfect dynamic scores: 7.81/8 for the 18-month-old dummy (minor deduction) and a flawless 8/8 for the 3-year-old, both using rear-facing i-SIZE ISOFIX seats with leg support. Full 12/12 marks in child restraint system (CRS) installation highlight easy, secure setup for Honda Baby & Kids seats on outboard rear positions, though vehicle assessment scored 5/13. Features like ISOFIX anchors, 3-point belts, and a passenger airbag cut-off switch ensure little ones stay safe without compromising adult protection.
Safety Matters for Families
This Bharat NCAP crash tests 28.33/32 AOP score positions the Amaze as the second sedan tested by Bharat NCAP (after Maruti Dzire), outshining its older Global NCAP past with robust build and tech like ABS, EBD, and pedestrian protection now standard. For Indian roads—full of unpredictable traffic—it’s like having an invisible shield, boosting confidence for daily commutes or long drives. Priced from ₹8.42-11.94 lakh with a reliable 1.2L i-VTEC engine, it blends safety, refinement, and affordability perfectly.
Bharat NCAP, India’s voluntary crash safety assessment program, evaluates vehicles through standardized crash tests and safety feature checks to assign star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 indicating the highest protection levels for adults, children, and overall safety.
Testing Procedures
Manufacturers nominate vehicles meeting basic requirements like ABS, dual airbags, seatbelt reminders, and speed alerts; tests occur at certified facilities such as those by ARAI or CIRT, with results reviewed by a standing committee before public release. Key crash tests include a frontal offset deformable barrier at 64 km/h (40% overlap, simulating head-on collisions common on Indian roads), side movable deformable barrier at 50 km/h, and side pole impact at 29 km/h (only for models scoring 3+ stars in prior tests). High-speed cameras, dummies equipped with sensors (measuring head, neck, chest, femur loads), and structural checks assess injury risks, bodyshell integrity, and footwell stability.
Scoring Categories
Scores derive from three pillars: Adult Occupant Protection (AOP, out of 32 points from dynamic crash performance), Child Occupant Protection (COP, out of 49 from dummy tests in child restraints and CRS installation ease), and Safety Assist Technologies (SAT, for features like ESC, AEB). AOP emphasizes driver/passenger head/chest/knee protection; COP uses 1.5- and 3-year-old dummies in rear-facing i-Size ISOFIX seats; SAT awards points for ESC, belt reminders, and pedestrian protection.
Star Rating Thresholds
Ratings require minimum points across categories, ensuring balanced performance—e.g., 5 stars needs ≥27/32 AOP and ≥41/49 COP, while 1 star starts at 4/32 AOP and 9/49 COP.
| Stars | AOP (min points) | COP (min points) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 27 | 41 |
| 4 | 22 | 35 |
| 3 | 16 | 24 |
| 2 | 10 | 18 |
| 1 | 4 | 9 |
Conclusion
Imagine this: you’re driving home with your spouse and a toddler in the back, in heavy evening traffic. A sudden swerve by another vehicle — your car jolts violently from the side. In that split second, you’re counting on more than just your reflexes. What holds up? The structure around you, the airbags, the seat-belt tensioners, the seat-mounts for that child in the back.
This Bharat NCAP crash tests 5-star rating doesn’t erase the shock of the crash — but it gives you and your loved ones a fighting chance. It’s not about bragging rights; it’s about survival, and protection.
For many buying compact sedans — first cars, city commuters, small families — safety has often meant compromise. Not anymore. The Amaze shows that even budget-friendly cars can — and should — offer robust safety.
