Global NCAP has released the crash test results for the Maruti Ciaz sold in India, and the results highlight the sedan’s ageing safety credentials. The midsize sedan has secured a 1-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 3-star rating for child occupant protection, placing it well behind its newer rivals in terms of crash safety.
Maruti Ciaz Global NCAP Scores at a Glance
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Adult Occupant Protection (AOP): 20.86 out of 34 points (1 star)
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Child Occupant Protection (COP): 28.57 out of 49 points (3 stars)
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Standard safety kit: Dual airbags, ESC, ISOFIX child seat mounts, seatbelt reminders
Adult Occupant Protection: Key Findings
The Maruti Ciaz’s low adult safety rating is largely due to structural concerns and limited protection in critical areas.
In the frontal offset deformable barrier test, the sedan scored 7.36 out of 16 points. While protection for the driver’s head was rated as good, the chest and thighs received marginal protection, and footwell protection was rated poor, indicating a higher risk of lower-leg injuries. Protection for the front passenger ranged from adequate to good.
During the side movable deformable barrier test, the Ciaz performed better, scoring 12.49 out of 16 points, although chest protection for the driver was rated weak.
Global NCAP did not conduct a side pole impact test as the Ciaz is not equipped with curtain airbags. Additionally, both the bodyshell and footwell area were deemed unstable, suggesting the structure may not withstand higher crash forces.
Child Occupant Protection: Mixed Results
The Ciaz’s child occupant protection score paints a more nuanced picture.
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Dynamic performance: 24 out of 24 points
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CRS installation: 4.57 out of 12 points
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Vehicle-based safety assessment: 0 out of 13 points
In crash simulations, the Ciaz offered excellent dynamic protection to both the 18-month-old and 3-year-old child dummies in frontal and side impact tests. However, the overall child safety score was pulled down due to multiple shortcomings.
These include the absence of three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, failure of child restraint installation on the rear centre seat, and the lack of a front passenger airbag deactivation option, which is essential when using a rearward-facing child seat.
Safety Rating Compared to Rivals
When compared to its competitors, the Maruti Ciaz falls significantly behind. Sedans such as the Hyundai Verna, Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus have all achieved 5-star Global NCAP ratings for both adult and child occupant protection, thanks to stronger body structures and more comprehensive safety equipment.
An Ageing Sedan Nearing the End of Its Lifecycle
The Maruti Ciaz is widely expected to be phased out of the Indian market, with no major update or direct replacement planned in the near future. Currently priced between Rs 9.09 lakh and Rs 11.89 lakh (ex-showroom), it continues to attract buyers looking for space and comfort at a relatively affordable price point.
However, with increasingly safety-conscious buyers and stricter crash test benchmarks, the Ciaz’s 1-star Global NCAP rating underscores the growing gap between it and newer-generation midsize sedans on sale in India today.
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