Cars with Airbags in India 2024

When buying a car, safety should be the primary consideration. All other factors can be overlooked once, but not safety. After all, it’s not just about the one person but the entire family who will be traveling in the car. 

Among the various safety aspects to consider, airbags play a vital role in protecting all passengers in the event of a car crash. Let’s delve into their importance and functionality. 

Read the blog till the end, as we’ll also share some recommendations for top cars with airbags in India.  

What Are Airbags and How Do They Work?

Airbags are inflatable cushions that are designed to safeguard all the individuals in the car from striking the vehicle interior or outside objects during a car crash or collision. 

Generally, these are hidden in the front dashboard, steering wheel, and inside the cabin, depending on the type of airbag. 

Reports suggest that front airbags reduce driver fatalities by 29% and front-seat passenger fatalities by 32%. In short, they can save hundreds and thousands of lives. 

How do airbags work? Read on to find out! 

• Detection of Impact: The whole airbag system works according to the sensor located throughout the car. As soon as the crash occurs, these sensors detect all the sudden changes. 
• Signal Transmission: If the detected force exceeds a certain threshold, the sensors send an electrical signal to the airbag control unit (ACU). 
• Inflation Initiation: Once the ACU receives the signal, it sends a signal to the airbag for inflation. It generally occurs when there is a collision force equivalent to running into a brick wall at 10 to 15 miles per hour (16 to 24 km per hour).  
• Deflation: After the signal is received, a chemical reaction starts, causing the compound in the airbags (a mix of sodium and nitrogen) to react and inflate within 1/20th of a second. 

Types of Airbags

Here are the different types of airbags used in cars. 

• Frontal Airbags: As the name suggests, front airbags are located on the front side, i.e., steering wheel and passenger-side dashboard, to protect the front occupants.
• Side Airbags: Located on the side of the seat, these airbags are designed to protect from side impact crashes. 
• Knee Airbags: These airbags provide protection to the knees and are located under the steering wheel/dashboard. 
• Curtain Airbags: These are deployed on the car’s roof and protect all the occupants from head injuries. It’s mounted more like a curtain, that's why the name curtain airbags. 

Importance of Airbags in Modern Cars

It is a fact that the number of car accidents in India is continuously increasing due to overspeeding and losing control. Sometimes, many innocents have to suffer because of others' mistakes. That’s why airbags in modern cars have become a crucial safety feature to protect from any unforeseen situation. 

Here are some reasons justifying airbags' importance. 

• Airbags inflate quickly during a crash and ensure the human body doesn’t hit any part or object, avoiding serious injuries. 
• The side airbags reduce the chances of passengers getting ejected through the window.

However, there are no claims regarding guaranteed protection by airbags during serious accidents; it’s just the injuries would not be fatal. 

Key Considerations When Choosing Cars with Airbags

There are numerous factors that need to be considered when choosing cars with airbags. Below is a quick list! 

• Number of Airbags: The higher the number of airbags, the better the protection you’ll get. Look for models that include at least 6 airbags. In fact, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has asked the manufacturers to make 6 airbags as standard for all cars. 
• Airbag Placement: No matter if you get 4 or 6 airbags car, if they are not placed or installed by certified professionals, it can compromise their effectiveness during a collision. So, it’s important to check if the airbags are placed in critical areas such as the front, sides, and curtains.
• Certification and Standards: Check if the airbags' quality meets industry safety standards and are certified by regulatory bodies. Also, it is suggested to look for car crash test ratings from reputable agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to find how the airbags performed. 
• Latest Technologies: It’s vital that the sensor technology used in the airbag is the latest for timely and appropriate airbag deployment. 

Top Car Models with Comprehensive Airbag Systems

Indian automobile manufacturers are continuously understanding the importance of safety and launching car models with comprehensive airbag systems. Below, we have curated a list of different cars with dual, 4, and 6 airbags.  

Cars with Dual Airbags 

Cars with dual airbags often provide essential front protection and are often more affordable, starting at Rs. 4.59 lakh. 

However, it is worth remembering that these cars do not provide enhanced protection. But if you are low on budget, then you can go for the below options as it’s better to have some safety than nothing. 

Cars with 4 Airbags 

The car with 4 airbags offers better protection than the dual ones, ensuring safety in side-impact collisions. Here are our top picks! 

Cars with 6 Airbags

Cars with 6 Airbags offer the best protection with front, side, and curtain airbags. We always suggest you choose 6 airbags car over 4 and dual ones. 

The Bottom Line 

Accidents can happen anytime, as it’s beyond your control. But what you can control is ensuring safety by choosing a car with airbags. 

But it’s apparent that airbags are just one component of a comprehensive safety system. It’s essential to look out for other safety factors, like choosing the right car insurance policy from InsuranceDekho. 

We have different vehicle insurance plans that will take care of your car behind the scenes. 

PS: We want you to claim “No-claim Bonus!” 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How effective are car airbags?

A. In terms of effectiveness, airbags significantly reduce crash-related deaths. They provide a cushioning effect, absorb the impact, and prevent serious injuries.

Q. Which Indian cars have 6 airbags?

A. The most popular 6 airbag cars in India include Tata Nexon, Hyundai Creta, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Mahindra XUV700, Hyundai Venue, Kia Seltos

Q. Which are the most affordable cars with airbags in India?

A. The driver-side airbag is a standard in India, which you will find in every car. If you are looking for an affordable car with airbags in India, go for Maruti Celerio or Renault Kwid. You’ll get the base variant of these cars under 5 lakhs.  

Q. Is it possible to disable the airbag system in the car?

A. No, you can not disable the airbag system in the car. Also, it is suggested to drive with airbags disabled. 

Q. When triggers an airbag to go off?

A. The airbag will inflate if the car experiences a collision at speeds ranging from 8 to 14 mph or higher.