[ron178]

Latin NCAP has awarded the Brazilian-built version of Citroën's new low-cost C3 a zero-star safety rating.

Stellantis’ safety in free fall: Citroen C3 zero stars - Latin NCAP

Citroen C3 (2 airbags)
The frontal impact showed weak protection to the driver chest and marginal to the passenger chest probably explained by the lack of pretensioners. Knees showed marginal protection for driver and good to marginal for passenger. The structure was rated as unstable as well as the footwell area that was also rated as unstable. Side impact showed adequate protection to the head and chest and good protection to the abdomen and pelvis. Pole impact was not performed as the car did not offer standard side head protection, not even as optional. Whiplash protection to the adult neck showed poor performance. Child occupant showed almost full protection, but the dynamic points were affected because of the poor marking for proper Child Restraint Systems (CRS), as the car does not meet the ISOFIX anchorages marking requirements. Airbag warning marking was not present according to Latin NCAP requirements and airbag disconnection in passenger seat position is not possible. Some CRSs failed in the installation assessment.The car does not prove to meet UN 127 or GTR 9 pedestrian protection regulations. Pedestrian protection subsystems showed marginal to good protection for the head with poor protection and weak protection areas closer to the windscreen edge and A pillar. Upper leg performance was overall adequate to good, lower leg performance was marginal to good. ESC is present meeting Latin NCAP requirements. Seat Belt Reminders (SBR) in the front seat do not meet Latin NCAP requirements and there is no SBR in the passenger side or the rear seat row.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u36BnULHehg

The C3 sold in Latin America and manufactured in Brazil is still better equipped than the version sold in India. It is fitted with ISOFIX anchorages, three-point seatbelts for all seats and ESC as standard equipment. The left hand-drive Brazilian unit on test performed moderately well in the frontal and side impact tests - the same tests GNCAP performs in India - but given the difference not only in hand of drive but also in region of production, it would be unwise to make any inferences for the Indian car.

[ashutoshb]

There goes my plan of booking the C3 Aircross.

I guess, it would be better to wait for Global NCAP to test the Indian built C3.

But I doubt it will be better than the Brazil spec.

[ron178]

Stellantis Group statement on the result:

Stellantis reaffirms its commitment to automotive safety by developing modern vehicles adapted to each segment. In addition, it emphatically confirms that all its vehicles strictly comply with all current regulations.

Citroën's response to LatinNCAP's bad rating - Motor1 Argentina

Kind of embarrassing IMHO to have to make a weak excuse like this for a brand new model. Honestly thought they were going for one star. Zero comes off as a little shameless. I know the latest Latin NCAP protocol is very demanding, but it's already in its fourth year now and due for another significant update in a couple of years.

[noob_petrolmonk]

Came across this in the link provided

Alejandro Furas, Secretary General of Latin NCAP said: “It is alarming how Stellantis repeatedly dismisses basic safety for Latin Americans ..... ”.

Looks like Stellantis/Citroen is a serial offender in Latin America. Citroen should get Indian Made C3/ C3 aircross tested by GNCAP and try to come out of the 0-Star club.

[sunikkat]

First of all no basic features in India model, now after seeing this no hope on basic safety too.

This is where VAGs have done a commendable job with India products.

[wheelguy]

I find it interesting that some individuals question the credibility of organizations like LNCAP, GNCAP, and ANCAP etc. However, it raises the question that if ordinary people can discern any potential flaws, wouldn't the companies whose cars are being tested also be able to identify them? If these companies identify any discrimination or double standards, do you think they would simply remain silent, wouldn't they potentially take legal action against the respective NCAP?

Moreover, it is worth noting that these companies are significantly more resourceful and powerful than the testing organizations themselves. Companies like Stellantis, Hyundai, Kia, and others possess extensive resources and legal capabilities. In the courtroom, these companies would likely have a significant advantage over NCAPs, making it even more unlikely for the testing organizations to prevail against them in legal battles.

Doesn't it clearly say who the real culprit is!

[evilminstrel]

Originally Posted by ron178

Latin NCAP has awarded the Brazilian-built version of Citroën's new low-cost C3 a zero-star safety rating.

Stellantis’ safety in free fall: Citroen C3 zero stars - Latin NCAP

Attachment 2475434

Attachment 2475433



https://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=u36BnULHehg


The C3 sold in Latin America and manufactured in Brazil is still better equipped than the version sold in India. It is fitted with ISOFIX anchorages, three-point seatbelts for all seats and ESC as standard equipment. The left hand-drive Brazilian unit on test performed moderately well in the frontal and side impact tests - the same tests GNCAP performs in India - but given the difference not only in hand of drive but also in region of production, it would be unwise to make any inferences for the Indian car.

Don't worry about it. Firstly, this refers to the Latin NCAP. If an Indian car only has a two-airbag system, it would fail this crash test. The minimum standard is set for base models, and only base models are tested in this NCAP.

Secondly, and most importantly, although the car's design is the same as the Indian C3, it appears that the car's features were different from the Indian model. For instance, the belt warning sign for passengers was missing (which is present in the Indian Shine model that I have, though I'm unsure about the Indian base model). Additionally, pretensioners and similar features were absent.

I do agree that all Indian cars (base models) should achieve at least a 3-star rating in the Latin NCAP. However, the harsh reality is that we are price sensitive market and our base models provide minimal to no security in cars. Even cars like the Verna and Tucson scored zero stars in Latin NCAP. What should we expect from a car with INR 6.16 L ex showroom price to offer. They would either give you buid quality and safety, compromising on features or features compromising on safety. Unfortunatley this decision is Sophie's choice for most Indians when we all know what correct choice is.

PS: In 2015, a Honda model with two airbags received a 4-star rating, as having two airbags in a car during that time was considered quite impressive

[ashutoshb]

Originally Posted by evilminstrel

However, the harsh reality is that we are price sensitive market and our base models provide minimal to no security in cars.

But, when buying a base variant, one is compromising on features already.

And NCAPs test the base variant, for the exact same reason that a minimum set of safety standards should be there from the base variant itself.

Originally Posted by evilminstrel

What should we expect from a car with INR 6.16 L ex showroom price to offer. They would either give you build quality and safety, compromising on features or features compromising on safety.

Soon, C3's primary competitor Punch will start coming with 6 airbags, we will then know for sure.

Another competitor, the Exter is offering 6 airbags at 5.99 lakhs. But until it proves itself at GNCAP or BharatNCAP, there is no point in taking it as an example.

[evilminstrel]

Originally Posted by ashutoshb

But, when buying a base variant, one is compromising on features already.

And NCAPs test the base variant, for the exact same reason that a minimum set of safety standards should be there from the base variant itself.



Soon, C3's primary competitor Punch will start coming with 6 airbags, we will then know for sure.

Another competitor, the Exter is offering 6 airbags at 5.99 lakhs. But until it proves itself at GNCAP or BharatNCAP, there is no point in taking it as an example.

I agree. The base variant has to be well equipped. How Hyundai is able to do with Exter is quite evident. No built quality, 175/65 tyres etc are provided to be able to spend on six airbags as standard. Clealry Hyundai wants to show off safety rating for exter and therefore has equipped base variant with six airbags while compromising on the built quality and ride safety. How else would they compete on this price bracket?

Citroen has chosen to give good built quality and ride quality at the compromise of airbags (bare minimum). As I said, this is Sopphie's choice. Customer is anyway doomed at this price range as far as safety is concerned (no matter whether Hyundai/Tata/Citroen). Question is how you want to attract customers. Clealry, Hyundai is going to be successfull with 6 airbags which will boost their crash rating (despite not having much benefit on safety front due to poor built quality and ride safety).

What else? NCAP are not considering built quality and ride safety (tyres) as any of the parameters. When this is so, why would a smart manufacturer like Hyundai and Maruti would spend on these? They will spend on things that get them ratings like airbags, belt warning, pretensioners. Who cares about bulit quality. Put built quality into NCAP parameters and from next launch the built quality will be better in cars.