Three inexpensive cars that are popular in India collapsed during crash tests in ways that would put passengers at risk of serious injury.

The Tato Nano, Suzuki-Maruti Alto 800 and Hyundai i10 are the culprits, all demonstrating a "high risk for their occupants in wrecks," USA TODAY reported.

The independent crash test conducted by a British-based charity was the first of its kind, according to Global NCAP.

"India is now a major global market and production center for small cars, so it's worrying to see levels of safety that are 20 years behind the five-star standards now common in Europe and North America," Max Mosley, chairman of Global NCAP, said in a statement provided to USA TODAY. "Poor structural integrity and the absence of airbags are putting the lives of Indian consumers at risk."

The famously cheap Nano vehicle, which sold for as little as $2,500 when it first launched several years ago, received zero stars for adult or child safety. In a 40-mph crash test, the car was judged unsafe, and it was also rated unstable for children because it won't accommodate car seats.

Also tested by Global NCAP, the Ford Figo and Volkswagen Polo models stayed stable during the crash tests and can be fitted for airbags.

The five models included in the test make up about 20 percent of new cars sold in India in 2013, USA TODAY reported. Global NCAP used entry-level versions of each model, so none of the cars were automatically fitted with airbags.

As a developing nation, India has transitioned to more widespread vehicle use in recent years, but automakers hurried to launch inexpensive models that could be purchased with the country's still-low wages.

Global NCAP will announce the test results today at the Emerging Market Automobile Safety Conference in Delhi. The conference will "examine the importance of motor vehicle safety as required under the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020," Global NCAP said on its website.

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