Citroën AIRCROSS Secures 5-Star Rating in Bharat NCAP Crash Test: A New Benchmark in Safety

In India’s fast-evolving automobile industry, car safety has finally begun to take center stage. With the introduction of Bharat NCAP, Indian consumers now have an authentic, standardized safety evaluation system to guide their purchase decisions. Recently, the Citroën AIRCROSS made headlines by securing a full 5-star rating in Bharat NCAP crash tests, cementing its position as one of the safest cars in the Indian market.

This achievement not only highlights Citroën’s commitment to passenger safety but also sets a new benchmark for competitors in the compact SUV space. In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of this rating, the safety features that helped the AIRCROSS achieve it, and what it means for Indian families and car buyers.

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What is Bharat NCAP?

Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) is India’s official car safety evaluation system. Modeled on Global NCAP but designed for Indian conditions, it provides a star rating system to help consumers make informed choices about vehicle safety.

• Tests Conducted: Frontal crash, side crash, and pole crash.
• Focus Areas: Adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian safety, and active safety systems.
• Ratings: Cars are awarded from 0 to 5 stars, with 5 being the highest level of protection.

With Bharat NCAP in place, buyers can now look beyond design, mileage, and pricing to prioritize road safety and crashworthiness.

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Citroën AIRCROSS: A Perfect 5-Star Performer

The Citroën AIRCROSS, known for its unique styling and comfort-oriented design, has now added top-notch safety credentials to its list of highlights. Its performance in crash tests impressed evaluators across both adult and child occupant protection.

Key Highlights from the Crash Test:

1. Adult Occupant Protection:
   • Excellent structural integrity ensured minimal cabin intrusion.
   • Driver and passenger protection during frontal impact scored highly.
   • Side impact tests showed strong resistance to deformation.
2. Child Occupant Protection:
   • High scores due to the availability of ISOFIX child seat anchors and recommended child restraint systems.
   • The vehicle demonstrated robust safety for children in both forward- and rear-facing positions.
3. Pedestrian Safety:
   • The design of the front fascia and bonnet reduces impact severity for pedestrians, aligning with Bharat NCAP’s pedestrian protection standards.

Together, these factors secured the 5-star rating, reassuring Indian families of the AIRCROSS’s safety credentials.

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Safety Features that Make a Difference

The 5-star rating wasn’t achieved by chance—it’s the result of Citroën’s engineering focus on safety. Here are the key safety features:

• 6 Airbags: Standard airbags for driver, passenger, side, and curtain protection.
• High-Strength Steel Body: Provides enhanced rigidity and crash resistance.
• ABS with EBD: Ensures stable braking in emergencies.
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Helps maintain control during sudden maneuvers.
• Hill Start Assist: Prevents rollback on inclines.
• Rear Parking Sensors and Camera: Improves visibility and reduces risk of low-speed collisions.
• ISOFIX Mounts: Secures child seats safely and easily.
• Seatbelt Pre-Tensioners: Reduces forward motion during collisions.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Alerts the driver of low pressure to prevent blowouts.

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Why the 5-Star Rating Matters

For Indian consumers, safety has traditionally taken a backseat to price and mileage. But the Bharat NCAP program is changing perceptions. The Citroën AIRCROSS’s 5-star rating matters for several reasons:

1. Peace of Mind for Families: Buyers know their loved ones are better protected.
2. Rising Competition: Pushes rival manufacturers to improve safety standards.
3. Shift in Priorities: Reinforces the trend of Indian consumers valuing safety features over cosmetic add-ons.
4. Government Push: Aligns with India’s vision of reducing road fatalities by adopting stricter safety norms.

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How AIRCROSS Stands Against Competitors

The compact SUV segment in India is crowded, with popular models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. While many offer a long list of features, not all of them have top safety ratings.

With a 5-star Bharat NCAP score, the Citroën AIRCROSS now holds an advantage for buyers prioritizing safety alongside design and comfort. This distinction could be a game-changer for Citroën in India, a market where safety credentials are becoming increasingly important.

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A Step Toward Safer Roads in India

The success of the AIRCROSS also highlights a larger shift in India’s auto industry. Automakers are now more committed to producing cars that don’t just look good, but also protect lives in real-world conditions.

Citroën’s achievement will likely inspire other manufacturers to invest more in safety technology, crash-resistant structures, and driver assistance systems.

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Citroën’s Safety Commitment Globally

Globally, Citroën has always emphasized comfort and innovation, but safety has remained an integral part of its design philosophy. The Bharat NCAP results reaffirm that the company is bringing the same global safety standards to India. This also strengthens Citroën’s image as a trustworthy brand among Indian buyers, who are increasingly skeptical about safety compromises.

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Conclusion

The Citroën AIRCROSS scoring 5 stars in Bharat NCAP crash tests is a proud moment for both the brand and Indian car buyers. It proves that the SUV is not only stylish and comfortable but also a leader in occupant protection and crash safety.

As Indian consumers grow more aware and demand safer vehicles, the AIRCROSS stands as a symbol of progress in the right direction. For families, professionals, and enthusiasts alike, this SUV offers a rare mix of comfort, design, and uncompromising safety.

With its 5-star rating, the AIRCROSS sets a high benchmark for other SUVs and makes a strong case for itself as one of the safest family SUVs in India today.