Top 4 Budget Hatchbacks with Safety Rating Above 4 Stars : Car buyers in India have, more than ever, begun to consider safety while purchasing a car in the country in 2025. Safety features, which have mostly been an area of compact and cost-effective hatchbacks, have recently improved by many folds.
Basically, Global NCAP crash tests carry out such crash tests in such a way that they become easy for a car buyer to do an assessment about safety level in cars through these crash tests and them knowing which cars are much safer. Hold on a second; if you are looking for budget hatchbacks that have a minimum safety rating of four stars, consider the top 4 below.
Tata Punch
Though it is officially called a micro-SUV, the Tata Punch is sometimes compared as smaller and cheap compared to hatchbacks. To adult occupants, it achieved a complete 5-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests. Built on Tata’s ALFA platform, it also has dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and a sturdy build. It starts around ₹6 lakh, which is a perfect mixture of safety and money value.
Tata Altroz
Another Premium hatchback with a 5-star GNCAP rating in terms of adult occupancy protection is the Tata Altroz. Strong body structure with features such as ABS, EBD, corner stability control, dual airbags, and ISOFIX mounts. Altroz also has convenient and spacious interiors, good ride quality, 3 engine options of petrol, diesel, and CNG, and starts with an approximate price of ₹6.6 lakh; it is safe enough and does not empty your pocket.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Earlier crash test ratings for Baleno were not attractive, but with the all-new 2025 update, safety prospects become much better. Further improvement in body structure; adding six airbags, ESP, hill hold, and rear parking to higher trims are improvements to safety features. The new crash test rating is yet to be known, but internally suggested numbers hint at more than four stars in Global NCAP.
Hyundai i20
Hyundai i20 has definitely improved on safety in its design and features in most new models specifically for India. Late last week, it was not rated by Global NCAP, but with several airbags, ESP, and a body with high-strength steel, Hyundai improved the car. Little more expensive than others in this list with initial cost of ₹7 lakh, comes with strong build quality and premium features at that price point.