New Maruti Suzuki Dzire Achieves 5-Star Rating in Global NCAP Safety Test: A Game-Changer for Indian Roads

Credent Editor Desk , Nov 08,2024: The new Maruti Suzuki Dzire has set a significant milestone by earning a 5-star safety rating in the Global NCAP safety test. This achievement makes the Dzire the first Maruti Suzuki vehicle to receive top marks in both adult and child occupant protection. As India’s auto industry continues to prioritize safety, the Dzire’s performance in crash tests stands out, setting a new benchmark for compact sedans in the country.

The First Maruti Suzuki to Score 5 Stars: A Landmark Moment

The latest generation of the Dzire, Maruti Suzuki’s popular compact sedan, has gained attention by excelling in the Global NCAP crash test. The Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) is an internationally recognized safety evaluation system that assesses vehicle safety standards. For Maruti Suzuki, this 5-star rating signals a crucial step forward in their commitment to enhancing vehicle safety across their product lineup.

David Ward, Executive President of the Towards Zero Foundation, highlighted the significance of this achievement: “The new Dzire’s five-star rating sets a significant safety benchmark for Maruti Suzuki compared to previous models we have tested.” With the launch of the fourth-generation Dzire scheduled for November 11, Indian consumers can expect to experience a new era of safety and reliability.

Global NCAP Safety Test: New Dzire vs. Previous Model

Structural Stability and Safety Features

The new Dzire’s body structure and footwell area were rated stable during the Global NCAP tests, meaning they can withstand additional loadings without compromising safety. This is a significant improvement over the previous generation, which scored only two stars for both adult and child occupant protection.

Maruti Suzuki has loaded the new Dzire with a suite of advanced safety features, many of which are now standard across the model lineup. These include:

• 6 airbags
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Hill Hold Assist
• ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
• Reverse parking sensors
• ISOFIX child seat anchorages

These additions ensure that both adult and child occupants receive superior protection in the event of a crash. In particular, the side impact and pole tests indicated full head protection for adult passengers, while the frontal impact test showed only marginal chest protection for the driver.

Child Safety: ISOFIX Anchors and Rearward-Facing Seats

Child occupant safety has also been prioritized in the new Dzire. The sedan earned 39.20 out of 49 points for child occupant protection, making it one of the safest cars in its segment for families.

In tests, an 18-month-old dummy seated in a rearward-facing child seat with ISOFIX anchorages was fully protected from head exposure during frontal impacts. Meanwhile, a three-year-old dummy, seated in a forward-facing ISOFIX-mounted child seat, showed good protection for both the head and chest, although neck protection could be improved with the use of a rearward-facing seat.

Maruti Dzire Safety Performance Compared to Older Models

A Step-Up in Protection

The outgoing third-generation Dzire, in contrast, did not fare as well in safety tests. It received only two stars for adult and child protection, with its structure and footwell area rated as unstable. Unlike the new model, the third-generation Dzire did not offer head protection during side-impact tests, and the chest protection for dummies was weak.

The improvements in safety for the fourth-generation Dzire show Maruti Suzuki‘s dedication to addressing concerns about safety features and crashworthiness. This shift is critical in a market like India, where safety has traditionally taken a backseat to cost-efficiency and fuel economy.

Global NCAP Results: Adult Occupant Protection

In terms of adult protection, the new Dzire scored 31.24 out of 34 points. This high score is due to several factors:

• Frontal Impact Test: Good protection for both the driver and passenger’s head and neck.
• Chest Protection: The driver’s chest received marginal protection, while the passenger’s chest showed adequate protection.
• Knee Protection: Both the driver and passenger’s knees were well protected in the event of a crash.
• Stable Bodyshell: The footwell area and bodyshell were rated as stable and capable of withstanding further loads.

ESC (Electronic Stability Control) played a vital role in enhancing the car’s stability, particularly during sudden turns or when driving on slippery surfaces, adding another layer of safety assurance.

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