Tata's testing strategy seems inspired by iconic Indian characters like Shaktimaan and Rajnikanth, at least that's what people are joking about online. The comparison is surprisingly accurate when you think about it. These heroes often faced their toughest challenges when fighting evil versions of themselves, much like Shaktimaan fighting his doppelgänger or the robot Chitti fighting the evil Red Chitti. The ultimate test of strength isn't fighting someone different, it's fighting yourself.

Tata apparently took this philosophy seriously when designing their crash test for the new Sierra. Instead of following the usual boring safety protocols that every other car company uses, they decided to do something that's never been done before. They asked themselves: what's the best way to test if the Sierra is truly safe? The answer was obvious to them, crash it into another Sierra and see what happens.

What Other Companies Do for Safety Tests

Standard crash tests usually involve a car hitting a stationary barrier or being struck by a machine. Global safety organizations have perfected these tests over decades. A car is accelerated to a specific speed, usually 64 kilometers per hour, and crashed into a concrete wall or deformable barrier. Sensors and crash test dummies measure the forces involved and assess how well the car protects its occupants. It's scientific, standardized, and accepted worldwide.

These tests are designed to simulate real-world accidents and ensure vehicles meet minimum safety standards. Cars receive ratings from zero to five stars based on how well they protect passengers. Every major automaker follows these protocols because that's what regulators require and what consumers expect. But Tata decided that meeting global standards wasn't enough. They wanted to test their vehicle against the absolute toughest opponent possible, which happened to be itself.

What Tata Did Differently

Tata took a different approach that sounds insane until you think about it. To test the mettle of their new vehicle, they decided the best opponent for the Tata Sierra was another Tata Sierra. Not a barrier, not a testing machine, but an identical vehicle driven in the opposite direction. This is the automotive equivalent of Shaktimaan fighting his evil twin, except both Sierras are good guys and both are about to have a very bad day.

Tata conducted a high-speed head-on collision between two Sierras driven in opposite directions. The combined impact speed was far higher than standard crash tests because both vehicles were moving at full speed toward each other. The forces involved were enormous, creating one of the most violent controlled crashes ever conducted by an Indian automaker. It was spectacular, terrifying, and completely unnecessary by normal testing standards, which is exactly why it's so brilliant.

Why This Crazy Test Is Smart

The results of this intense Sierra versus Sierra crash were impressive enough that people joke it deserves a ten-star rating instead of the usual five stars. When two identical vehicles crash head-on at high speed, you're essentially doubling the forces involved compared to hitting a stationary barrier. If the Sierra's structure can withstand that level of impact and still protect its occupants, it can probably survive anything you'll encounter on Indian roads.

This test also addresses a real-world scenario that standard tests don't fully capture. Head-on collisions between two moving vehicles are among the deadliest accidents on highways. By testing the Sierra against itself, Tata demonstrated exactly how the vehicle performs in this worst-case scenario. It's the kind of over-engineering and excessive testing that gives buyers confidence, even if it seems crazy on the surface.

Can It Beat Hyundai Creta

The bigger question is whether this new SUV will be strong enough to rival the popular Hyundai Creta. The Creta dominates the mid-size SUV segment in India, and every competitor struggles to match its combination of features, comfort, and brand appeal. Tata is betting that superior safety, demonstrated through dramatic crash tests, will convince buyers to choose the Sierra instead. Safety has become a major selling point in India as consumers become more aware of crash test ratings.

Tata has already proven it can build safe cars with the Nexon and Harrier receiving good safety ratings. But the Sierra faces tough competition from established players. Crashing two Sierras into each other makes for great marketing and demonstrates genuine commitment to safety, but ultimately buyers will decide based on price, features, and whether they trust Tata's quality. The Sierra versus Sierra crash test is memorable and impressive, but Tata still needs to prove the vehicle is competitive in every other aspect if they want to challenge the Creta's dominance.