The Truth Behind Allegations of a Major Car Manufacturer Staging a 5-Star Safety Test Video

Previously, a clip showing the Punch SUV colliding head-on with a truck at 50 km/h went viral on social media. However, it also sparked debate as viewers noticed inconsistencies in the vehicle’s dents across different frames.

Responding to the concerns, Tata denied using two different vehicles to manipulate the test results. The company attributed the discrepancies to an editing error by their video team. Specifically, the footage was sequenced incorrectly, causing scenes of the damaged vehicle to appear before clips showing the car intact immediately post-collision. Notably, the controversial dent was not caused by the truck impact but resulted from engineers forcibly opening the door to inspect the cabin post-test.

The crash test video was released shortly after the 2026 Tata Punch achieved a 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP. Unlike conventional tests using metal or reinforced concrete barriers, Tata opted for a more realistic scenario by crashing the Punch into an actual truck—a method previously applied to the new Sierra model.

In their press release, Tata Motors emphasized that the collision occurred at 50 km/h, with results confirming no intrusion into the passenger compartment. All doors functioned normally post-impact, demonstrating the cabin’s structural integrity and effective force absorption.

Tata asserts that this test better simulates real-world driving conditions, bolstering consumer confidence in the new Punch’s safety standards. Beyond its robust high-strength steel frame, all Punch variants now come standard with advanced safety features, including six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and tire pressure monitoring.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)