Maruti Suzuki's Safety Spectrum: Unpacking Bharat NCAP Crash Test Results

The Indian automotive landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with safety taking center stage like never before. Spearheading this monumental shift is the newly established Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP), India’s own rigorous vehicle safety rating system. This homegrown initiative aims to empower consumers with crucial safety information, mirroring global standards and fostering a culture of road safety.

Recently, Bharat NCAP released its much-anticipated first batch of crash test results, and among the prominent manufacturers, Maruti Suzuki – a dominant force in the Indian market – had several of its popular models put through the stringent paces.

The spotlight fell on some of Maruti Suzuki's best-selling vehicles: the compact Swift hatchback, its premium sibling the Baleno, the ever-popular Brezza compact SUV, the robust Grand Vitara mid-size SUV, and the family-friendly Ertiga MPV.

These results are not just numbers; they represent a significant step towards greater transparency and accountability in vehicle safety for the Indian consumer.

Let's delve into the performance of each model:

Maruti Suzuki Baleno: This premium hatchback, a favorite among urban commuters, secured a 3-star rating for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), scoring 20.58 out of a possible 32 points.

For Child Occupant Protection (COP), it also received a 3-star rating with 16.51 points out of 49. While a respectable score, it signals room for improvement in safeguarding both adult and child passengers.

Maruti Suzuki Swift: The iconic hatchback, known for its spirited performance, mirrored the Baleno's results.

It was awarded a 3-star rating for AOP, with a score of 19.19 out of 32. In COP, the Swift also achieved a 3-star rating, scoring 16.68 out of 49. These figures suggest a consistent level of protection across Maruti Suzuki's compact offerings, albeit with similar scope for enhancement.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: Stepping up the ladder, the mid-size SUV Grand Vitara demonstrated a stronger performance, earning a commendable 4-star rating for Adult Occupant Protection, with an impressive score of 28.08 out of 32.

Its Child Occupant Protection also stood strong with a 4-star rating, scoring 23.95 out of 49. This robust performance underlines Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to safety in its higher segments, offering enhanced protection for its occupants.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza: Another strong contender in the compact SUV segment, the Brezza also delivered a solid showing.

It achieved a 4-star rating for Adult Occupant Protection, scoring 27.28 out of 32, and an equally impressive 4-star rating for Child Occupant Protection, with a score of 22.00 out of 49. The Brezza's consistent performance reinforces its position as a safe and reliable choice for families.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: The popular multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), a staple for larger families, secured a 3-star rating for Adult Occupant Protection, scoring 25.16 out of 32.

For Child Occupant Protection, it also received a 3-star rating, with 16.27 out of 49. The Ertiga’s results indicate a fair level of protection for its segment, while still highlighting areas for potential safety upgrades, especially concerning child passengers.

The introduction of Bharat NCAP marks a pivotal moment for the Indian automotive industry.

With mandatory safety tests for all new car models launched from October 1, 2023, the program is set to become a cornerstone of vehicle development in the country. These ratings provide invaluable data, allowing prospective buyers to make far more informed decisions based on concrete safety performance, rather than just features or aesthetics.

For Maruti Suzuki, these results offer both accolades and insights.

While models like the Grand Vitara and Brezza have showcased excellent safety credentials, the ratings for Baleno, Swift, and Ertiga suggest that there is scope for further enhancing passive and active safety features across their diverse portfolio. Ultimately, this transparency benefits everyone – consumers gain peace of mind, manufacturers are pushed to innovate, and the Indian roads become safer for all.