03:13 21-01-2026

Tata Punch achieves top BNCAP safety rating in crash tests

India's BNCAP program has released crash test results for the updated Tata Punch, and they are surprisingly high for a subcompact crossover. The model earned the maximum five stars for both adult and child occupant protection, which remains rare in the affordable segment, according to SPEEDME.RU.

Adult protection scored 30.58 points out of a possible 32. In the frontal offset deformable barrier test, the crossover achieved 14.71 out of 16 points, while the side impact test resulted in 15.87 out of 16. The side pole impact test was also passed, with load maps showing predominantly 'good' protection zones for the dummies and a minimal number of compromise areas.

BNCAP clarifies that the five-star rating does not apply to the entire refreshed Tata Punch lineup. The rating is valid for versions with petrol and petrol-CNG powertrains, available with either manual or automated manual transmissions.

A mandatory requirement is the inclusion of a standard safety package, featuring electronic stability control, side and curtain airbags, and seatbelt reminders. For the subcompact crossover segment, this result carries strategic importance.

The Tata Punch competes in a price-sensitive class where design and features have traditionally been prioritized over structural safety. The top BNCAP rating strengthens the model's position and puts pressure on competitors, who may now need to reassess their approach to safety.

The Tata Punch's performance demonstrates that a high level of passive safety is no longer the exclusive domain of expensive cars. If this trend continues, safety could become the new standard in even the most affordable segments in the coming years, compelling manufacturers to invest in body structure rather than just marketing.