Is the Maruti Tour V (O)'s 5-star safety rating a game changer for the budget segment?

The latest news in the Indian automotive community has been the recent announcement that the Maruti Tour V (O) has achieved a 5 star safety rating in the Global NCAP crash tests. The fact that the vehicle is positioned as an affordable, entry level option, often used in the commercial sector, makes this development all the more important. It’s a budget car, but the high safety rating challenges the idea that budget cars can’t be safe. It also makes one wonder if this will prompt other manufacturers to improve their game in the budget segment, and change the consumer’s perception about Maruti’s commitment to safety. Moreover, it raises the question of whether safety ratings can be the sole determinant of a car’s attractiveness to private buyers, or whether features, design, and brand image are more important in the purchase decision.