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 Safari 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 Safari 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.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
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?
Safety-conscious car buyers prioritize features that protect passengers and help prevent accidents. They value high GNCAP ratings, indicating a vehicle’s crashworthiness. Active safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are critical.
Passive safety features like a robust number of airbags, including knee/curtain airbags, enhance protection in accidents. Additional technologies like rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive headlights contribute to overall safety by enhancing driver awareness and visibility.
Why MG Hector and Tata Safari 2023 are Popular
MG Hector and Tata Safari have garnered popularity among safety-conscious buyers for several reasons. Both vehicles come equipped with a range of safety features that align with the expectations of safety-focused drivers.
The MG Hector is notable for its high-speed stability, LED headlights, and the presence of essential safety features like ABS, ESC, and rear parking sensors. Meanwhile, the Tata Safari offers a sturdy build with a high GNCAP rating, LED headlights, and its high ground clearance which is advantageous for different terrains.
These features, combined with a suite of active and passive safety technologies, make both vehicles appealing to safety-conscious buyers.
MG Hector and Tata Safari 2023 variants shortlist in Rs 16-18 lakh range
For MG Hector, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 13 November 2023 |
| 1.5 Turbo Smart | ₹1,680,000 |
| 1.5 Turbo Shine CVT | ₹1,719,000 |
| 1.5 Turbo Smart CVT | ₹1,799,000 |
For Tata Safari 2023, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 13 November 2023 |
| Smart | ₹1,619,000 |
| Pure | ₹1,769,000 |
MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Smart
Priced at INR 1,680,000, the MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Smart is an attractive option for safety-conscious buyers. It provides high-speed stability, LED headlights, and essential safety features like ABS and ESC. However, it has only 2 airbags, which might be a concern for some buyers. If you’re a tech-savvy car buyer, you can check out our comparison of the Hector with Mahindra XUV700.
MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Shine CVT
The MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Shine CVT, priced at INR 1,719,000, offers similar safety features as the 1.5 Turbo Smart variant. However, it lacks fog lights, which might reduce visibility in adverse weather conditions.
MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Smart CVT
At INR 1,799,000, the MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Smart CVT includes the same safety features as the other Hector variants but is priced higher. The additional cost may not be justified given the similar safety features across the Hector range.
Tata Safari Smart
The Tata Safari Smart, priced at INR 1,619,000, stands out for its high-speed stability and six airbags, offering more comprehensive passive safety compared to the Hector variants. However, the lack of fog lights might be a drawback for some. If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Safari 2023 with Mahindra XUV700.
Tata Safari Pure
The Tata Safari Pure is priced at INR 1,769,000 and offers similar safety features to the Safari Smart variant, with the addition of a larger touchscreen and other non-safety related enhancements. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Safari 2023 with Toyota Innova Hycross.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among MG Hector and Tata Safari 2023 for Safety-Conscious Buyers
Considering the balance between price and safety features, the Tata Safari Smart emerges as the best choice for safety-conscious buyers. Priced competitively at INR 1,619,000, it offers superior passive safety with six airbags compared to the two airbags in the MG Hector variants.
Its high-speed stability and high GNCAP rating also contribute to its standing as a top pick. Although it lacks fog lights, its other safety features, including ABS and ESC, compensate for this.
The Top 3 Choices
- Tata Safari Smart
- MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Smart
- Tata Safari Pure
| Feature | MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Smart | Tata Safari Smart | Tata Safari Pure |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| High-Speed Stability | Stable | Stable | N/A |
| Fog Lights | Yes | No | No |
| GNCAP Rating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags (Number) | 2 | 6 | 6 |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Tata Safari Smart: Offers the most comprehensive safety package at a competitive price, making it the top choice for safety-conscious buyers.
- MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Smart: A close second, providing essential safety features at a reasonable price but falls short with fewer airbags.
- Tata Safari Pure: Similar in safety features to the Safari Smart, but its higher price makes it a less attractive option compared to the Smart variant.
These top three variants represent the best balance of safety and value for safety-focused car buyers.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered
