Gobar NCRAP draws to a close with 12-car release.
- Gobar NCRAP
- Dec 15
- 2 min read
Desktop evaluations to end after nearly three years as project's goals deemed met following proposed updates to Bharat NCAP
Internet accounts to remain as archives; website continues as blog for admin (The Yawning Chihuahua)
Final release sees 12 cars evaluated for rear seatbelt reminders
15 DECEMBER: Today, Gobar NCRAP is winding up after nearly three years of activity. The independent project, which began in April 2023, regularly published desktop evaluations of Indian-market vehicles based on the availability of more advanced safety equipment than was required by Indian regulations and consumer tests targeting the Indian market.
For nearly three years, Gobar NCRAP has advocated for advanced safety technologies through its simplistic desktop evaluations. Now, with these technologies set to be included in BNCAP, consumers will have access to independent information about not only their presence, but importantly, their performance. It is particularly pleasing to see the inclusion of enhanced rear seatbelt reminders with occupant detection sensors, the focus of Gobar NCRAP's advocacy throughout 2025. — The Yawning Chihuahua
Twelve cars are evaluated for their seatbelt reminders in the final 2025 Gobar Grades.
The Mahindra XEV 9S and Kia Carnival earn A and B grades respectively, with occupant detection for all or some rear seats.
The twin luxury MPVs Toyota Vellfire and Lexus LM, as well as the MG ZS EV, earn C grades, with no rear occupant detection sensors, and only change-of-status warnings.
The Škoda Kylaq, Kushaq and Slavia, along with their twins the VW Taigun and Virtus, earn surprising C grades, because they only have change-of-belt-status acoustic warnings, despite having occupant detection sensors in the rear seats.
Finally, not to be outdone, the MG Astor and fleet-only Tata XPRES-T (partner model to Tigor.ev), which beep persistently even when their rear seats are empty, also earn C grades.
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About Gobar NCRAP
Gobar NCRAP was an independent, noncommercial desktop blog that evaluated the safety specification of vehicles sold to Indian consumers.
About 2025 Gobar Grades
The 2025 Gobar Grades assigned letter grades – A, B, C or D – to vehicle models based on the behaviour of their rear seatbelt reminders. The evaluation criteria rewarded the fitment of intelligent reminders with occupant detection in all rear seats, as opposed to the less effective change-of-status alerts or permanent warnings accepted by proposed legislation and given full credit by existing consumer test programmes targeting the Indian vehicle market. An archive of individual grades is at the following URL: bit.ly/gobargrades2025.
Press Kit
Copyright-free score cards for all vehicles evaluated today + press release:
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