The new Maruti Dzire has made headlines by earning a 5-star rating in adult occupant protection (AOP) and a 4-star rating in child occupant protection (COP) from Global NCAP. This achievement marks Maruti Suzuki’s first 5-star safety rating, setting a milestone in the brand’s commitment to vehicle safety.
Historically, Maruti Suzuki has faced criticism for the subpar safety performance of many of its models. However, with heightened public attention on road safety in India, Maruti proactively submitted the new Dzire for testing, demonstrating its confidence in the model’s safety features. In comparison, the third-generation Dzire scored only 2 stars in both AOP and COP, with an unstable bodyshell and footwell area. The fourth-generation Dzire’s ratings, by contrast, reflect a significant upgrade in safety standards.
Standard Safety Features in the New Maruti Dzire
The Dzire tested by Global NCAP came equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), 3-point seat belts with reminders for all seats, ISOFIX anchors for rear seats, and seat belt pretensioners and load limiters for the front. It also meets the UN 127 pedestrian protection standards. Notably, the vehicle tested was manufactured in India for the domestic market.
Adult Occupant Protection
With an impressive score of 31.24 out of 34, the Dzire performed well in adult occupant protection. The Global NCAP report highlighted strong head and neck protection for both driver and passenger, though chest protection was rated marginal for the driver and adequate for the passenger. The bodyshell and footwell areas were rated as stable, and the structure was deemed capable of withstanding additional loads.
Side and Pole Impact Tests
The Dzire was also subjected to side and pole impact tests, showing high levels of protection for the head, abdomen, and pelvis in both scenarios. ESC performance met Global NCAP’s criteria, although chest protection during the side pole impact test was marginal.
Child Occupant Protection
In child occupant protection, the Dzire scored 39.20 out of 42 points. Using ISOFIX anchorages, a forward-facing child seat for a 3-year-old provided full protection to the head and chest and limited protection to the neck. A rearward-facing seat for an 18-month-old also provided excellent protection, preventing head exposure during frontal impacts.
The only notable drawback is that the Dzire’s front passenger airbag cannot be deactivated, which slightly reduced its score since it could affect the safety of a rear-facing child restraint system (CRS) on the front seat.
Global NCAP’s Statement
David Ward, executive president of the Towards Zero Foundation, commended Maruti Suzuki for achieving this safety milestone. “The new Dzire’s 5-star rating sets a significant benchmark compared to previous models,” he said, adding that this achievement signals a positive shift for Maruti Suzuki and safety standards in India.
Overall, the new Maruti Dzire’s success in the GNCAP crash test reflects a promising commitment to enhanced safety, indicating a potential industry-wide improvement in vehicle standards.
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