For a safety-conscious buyer, it is important to consider the safest cars, or top safety-rated cars in India, when purchasing a vehicle. Today, we look at the MG Hector and Tata Harrier 2023 in terms of their safety aspects.
In this article, we will share
- What a safety-conscious buyer looks for in a car
- MG Hector vs Tata Harrier 2023 – an in-depth look at their safety features, ratings, and driver assistance features
- How to pick the right car for you
Can these models be considered the best cars with safety features in India? How have they fared in crash tests, and how is their structural integrity? What features do they have to ensure driver, passenger and child safety? Read on.
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What a Safety-Conscious Buyer Looks for in a Car
Here’s what a safety-conscious buyer should look for in a car:
- Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
- Driver assistance – Does the car have features like parking camera, rear parking sensors, follow-me-home headlights, etc.
- Space – Does the car have enough interior space?
For a safety-conscious buyer, the primary concern is the vehicle’s capability to protect its occupants during adverse conditions. Such a buyer prioritizes features like a high GNCAP safety rating, presence of multiple airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system, high-speed stability, and crash warnings.
Additional safety functions like lane-keeping assist, rear parking sensors and cameras, and traction control enhance the confidence in a vehicle’s safety profile. These features ensure not only the safety of the passengers but also of pedestrians and other vehicles on the road.
Why MG Hector and Tata Harrier 2023 are Popular
Both MG Hector and Tata Harrier have established themselves as reputable brands in the automobile industry, especially for safety-conscious buyers. Review platforms emphasize the sturdy build quality, comprehensive safety feature list, and impressive GNCAP ratings of these models.
The Tata Harrier, a flagship of the Tata brand, is often touted for its robust build and adherence to Tata’s legacy of producing safe cars. On the other hand, MG Hector has carved a niche for itself with its advanced safety tech features, often setting benchmarks in its segment.
Their commitment to safety has made them popular choices among discerning buyers who prioritize protection.
MG Hector and Tata Harrier 2023 variants shortlist in Rs 18-20 lakh range
For MG Hector, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 27 October 2023 |
| 2.0 Smart Diesel | ₹1,900,000 |
| 1.5 Turbo Sharp Pro | ₹1,945,000 |
| 2.0 Smart Pro Diesel | ₹2,000,000 |
For Tata Harrier 2023, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 27 October 2023 |
| Pure Plus | ₹1,869,000 |
| Pure Plus S | ₹1,969,000 |
| Pure Plus AT | ₹1,999,000 |
MG Hector 2.0 Smart Diesel
With a GNCAP rating of 5, this variant ensures optimum safety. Features like ABS, ESC, and traction control bolster its credentials as a safe vehicle. If you’re looking for a family car, you can read out comparison of the Hector with Toyota Innova Hycross.
MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Sharp Pro
Beyond the safety basics, this variant offers six airbags, ensuring enhanced protection for occupants from multiple angles.
MG Hector 2.0 Smart Pro Diesel
Although similar to the Smart Diesel variant, it offers genuine leather upholstery, providing an additional touch of premium comfort. If you’re a tech-savvy buyer, you can check out our comparison of the Hector with Mahindra XUV700.
Tata Harrier Pure Plus
This variant, despite being the base model, comes with six airbags, ABS, ESC, and a commendable GNCAP rating of 5, making it a solid pick.
Tata Harrier Pure Plus S
Building on the foundation of the Pure Plus, it maintains a strong safety profile suitable for any safety-conscious buyer.
Tata Harrier Pure Plus AT
With the added convenience of an automatic transmission, this variant doesn’t compromise on the essential safety features, ensuring a smooth yet safe drive.
Our Pick for the Best Variant among MG Hector and Tata Harrier 2023 for Safety Conscious Buyers
The Tata Harrier Pure Plus AT priced at INR 1,999,000 stands out as the best option for a safety-conscious buyer.
Firstly, the GNCAP rating of 5 stars, especially under the newer, tougher safety protocols, solidifies its position as a leader in safety. This safety rating signifies that the vehicle has undergone stringent testing and has excelled in all safety parameters.
Furthermore, this variant is equipped with essential safety features such as ABS, ESC, 6 airbags, and Traction Control. The added benefit of an Automatic Transmission (Torque Converter) ensures fewer distractions for the driver, enhancing overall safety. The ‘Follow Me Home’ headlights are a significant addition, improving visibility during low light conditions.
The Top 3 Choices
- Tata Harrier Pure Plus AT
- Tata Harrier Pure Plus S
- MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Sharp pro
| Attribute | Tata Harrier Pure Plus AT | Tata Harrier Pure Plus S | MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Sharp pro |
| GNCAP Rating | Yes (5 stars) | Yes (5 stars) | Yes (5 stars) |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags (number) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 360-degree Camera | No | No | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Tata Harrier Pure Plus AT: With a top GNCAP rating of 5 stars and a plethora of safety features like ABS, ESC, and 6 airbags, this variant tops the list. The automatic transmission further elevates the safety quotient.
- Tata Harrier Pure Plus S: This variant, though similar in most aspects to the AT version, is priced slightly lower, making it an appealing choice for those who might not prioritize automatic transmission but still want the best safety features.
- MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Sharp pro: This variant of MG Hector, although slightly lower in safety rating (5 stars) than the Tata Harrier, compensates with a suite of safety features including 6 airbags, Traction Control, and ESC. The addition of a 360-degree camera further adds to its safety credentials.
For a safety-conscious buyer, these three variants undoubtedly stand out from the rest. These cars provide a blend of cutting-edge safety tech, ensuring peace of mind on every journey.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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