New Maruti Suzuki Dzire becomes first in brand’s line-up with 5-star Global NCAP rating
The new Maruti Suzuki Dzire has set a safety benchmark as the first Maruti model to earn a five-star Global NCAP rating. In contrast, the previous Dzire model, now scheduled for discontinuation, had received only two stars for adult occupant safety and two stars for child safety.
Recently introduced to the Indian market, the Dzire comes equipped with key safety features, including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and pedestrian protection, all as standard. In contrast, the previous Dzire model, now set to be discontinued, earned only two stars for adult occupant safety and two stars for child occupant safety.
David Ward, Executive President of the Towards Zero Foundation, noted that the new Dzire’s five-star rating represents a major improvement in safety standards for Maruti Suzuki, particularly compared to earlier models. He hoped the manufacturer would extend this level of safety across its entire range, which “could be a game changer for vehicle safety for Indian consumers.”
The Global NCAP assessment protocol rigorously evaluates crash protection in various scenarios, including frontal and side impacts, as well as ESC effectiveness. The vehicle must also meet pedestrian protection and side pole impact standards to achieve higher ratings.
In its assessment, the Dzire’s structure and footwell were rated as stable, withstanding further loads, and all seating positions feature three-point seat belts. The new Dzire also includes i-Size anchorages, improving compatibility with modern child safety seats.
In adult occupant testing, the frontal impact assessment showed good protection for the head and neck of both the driver and passenger, though the driver’s chest received marginal protection, while the passenger’s chest was adequately protected. Driver and passenger knees were well protected, as were the tibias, both rated as adequate.
Side impact testing showed comprehensive protection for the head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis, with intrusion levels kept under control. In the pole test, protection remained high for the head, abdomen, and pelvis, while the chest received marginal ratings. ESC, a standard feature, met Global NCAP’s requirements, and seatbelt reminders (SBR) were installed in all seating positions, in line with current safety standards.
For child safety, the new Dzire earned four stars, with strong protection shown in both frontal and side impact tests for young occupants. The three-year-old dummy, installed forward-facing with ISOFIX anchorages and a top tether, effectively reduced forward movement during impact, providing good head and chest protection, though neck protection could be improved with a rearward-facing seat.
The 18-month-old dummy, positioned rearward-facing with ISOFIX anchorages and a support leg, was fully protected in the frontal impact, with no head exposure detected. Both dummies maintained high protection in the side impact test. The car features three-point seat belts in all seating positions and meets i-Size anchorage standards, though it lacks an option to disable the passenger airbag for rearward-facing child restraints in the front passenger seat. This comprehensive setup resulted in the four-star rating for child occupant safety.
The previous Dzire model featured only two airbags and ESC as standard, with an unstable structure and footwell. It lacked side head protection, preventing a side pole test, and chest protection was weak in side impact tests. The child occupant rating was also limited by contact with the car interior and the absence of three-point seat belts in all seats.
