The Maruti Suzuki Celerio has been evaluated by Global NCAP in its latest, safety-updated specification and has achieved a 3-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 2-star rating for child occupant protection. The popular hatchback scored 18.04 out of 34 points for adults and 18.57 out of 49 points for child safety.
The improved score comes after Maruti Suzuki made six airbags and electronic stability control (ESC) standard, highlighting how additional safety equipment can influence crash test results.
Updated Celerio Tested by Global NCAP
Global NCAP tested the India-made Celerio in its most recent version, which now complies with updated safety regulations. Despite the added equipment, the bodyshell and footwell were rated unstable in the frontal offset crash test, limiting the car’s overall performance.
Global NCAP also tested an older 2-airbag version, which managed only 2 stars for adult protection and 1 star for child protection, underlining the benefit of the newer safety upgrades.
Standard Safety Features on the Maruti Suzuki Celerio
The tested model comes equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including:
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Six airbags
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Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
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ABS with EBD
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Three-point seatbelts with reminders for all occupants
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ISOFIX child seat anchors on rear outboard seats
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Seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters for front seats
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Rear parking sensors
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Compliance with UN R127 pedestrian protection norms
The car tested was manufactured in India for the domestic market.
Adult Occupant Protection Performance
With 18.04 points, the Celerio earned a 3-star adult safety rating. In the frontal crash test:
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Driver head protection was rated adequate, while the passenger’s head protection was good
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Neck protection was good for both occupants
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Chest protection was weak for the driver and adequate for the passenger
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Knee protection was rated marginal due to possible contact with dashboard structures
The unstable bodyshell and footwell indicated that the structure may not withstand higher crash loads.
In the side impact test, protection levels were:
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Head and chest: marginal
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Abdomen: adequate
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Pelvis: good
The side pole test showed good protection for the head and pelvis, while chest and abdomen protection remained marginal. ESC performance met Global NCAP’s requirements.
Child Occupant Protection Performance
The Celerio’s 2-star child safety rating reflects shortcomings in child restraint performance. In frontal impact testing:
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The forward-facing seat for the 3-year-old showed poor neck and chest protection, with excessive head movement
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The rearward-facing seat for the 18-month-old also allowed head exposure, with poor chest protection
During the side impact test, the seat for the younger child offered full protection, while the 3-year-old’s seat failed to adequately contain the head.
Additional limitations affecting the score include:
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No option to switch off the front passenger airbag
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Child seats approved only for rear seats, not the front or rear centre position
Global NCAP’s Verdict
Global NCAP acknowledged that the Celerio benefits from mandatory safety upgrades such as six airbags and ESC. However, it noted that structural instability, marginal crash protection in critical areas and limited child restraint compatibility prevented the hatchback from achieving higher ratings.
According to the organisation, improvements in body structure strength and better child seat integration would be necessary for the Celerio to score higher in future crash tests.
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