Made-in-India Honda SUV Bags 5-Star Rating in Japanese Crash Tests
A compact SUV produced in India has achieved a significant milestone by securing a full 5-star safety rating in Japan's New Car Assessment Programme (JNCAP) for 2024. Manufactured at a facility in Rajasthan, the vehicle is sold in Japan under a different name and has impressed with its outstanding performance across all crash safety and prevention categories.
India-made SUV earns 5-star rating in Japan safety tests
A compact SUV manufactured in India has made a notable entry into the global safety arena, receiving a perfect 5-star safety rating from the Japan New Car Assessment Programme (JNCAP). This achievement marks a major moment not just for the model itself, but for the broader Indian automotive industry, which continues to enhance its presence in international markets.
First Indian-made Honda exported to Japan
The model in question is assembled at a production facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan. While it is known by one name in India, it is marketed under a different badge in Japan. This is the first time a Honda car manufactured in India has been exported to Japan, making the feat particularly significant.
Outstanding JNCAP safety performance
During the 2024 JNCAP evaluation, the car scored 176.23 out of a maximum 193.8 points, which translates to a full 5-star rating. The scoring was divided into two major sections — preventive safety and crash protection. The SUV earned 95% in preventive safety measures and 86% for collision safety, highlighting its readiness to protect occupants and avoid accidents.
Automatic emergency system aces the test
The vehicle's onboard emergency response system scored a perfect 8 out of 8 points. This system ensures that emergency services can be alerted automatically in the event of an accident, which enhances the safety of passengers when time is critical.
High protection levels for occupants
In crash simulations, the SUV delivered excellent occupant protection. During the full-frontal collision test, driver safety was rated at 96%, while the rear passenger protection stood at 88%. In the offset frontal impact, the car scored 86.9% for the driver and a perfect 100% for the rear seat occupant.
Side impact and pedestrian safety also top-rated
Side collision tests further validated the car’s structural integrity, achieving full marks. Pedestrian safety — a growing focus in modern crash test protocols — also saw solid results. The car scored 2.91 out of 4 for head impact and 4 out of 4 for leg impact, showing strong exterior design geared towards minimising injury in the event of a pedestrian accident.
Exported version shares same engine as Indian model
Powering the Japanese variant of this SUV is the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine used in the Indian version. It delivers 119 bhp and 145 Nm of torque. For the Japanese market, the SUV is available exclusively with a CVT automatic transmission, with no manual option currently offered.
India’s manufacturing quality gets global recognition
This top-tier safety rating is not only a validation of the model’s build quality but also reflects the growing reputation of Indian automotive manufacturing on the global stage. With stricter regulations and rising consumer awareness, crash test performance is becoming a critical factor in vehicle purchase decisions worldwide.
A positive signal for future exports
The strong performance of the India-made SUV in Japan’s crash tests may pave the way for further exports and increased global confidence in Indian-built vehicles. As automakers look to streamline production and maintain high safety standards, India’s role in the international supply chain could grow even further.