Shortly after Maruti Suzuki's latest fourth-generation Dzire bookings opened, the compact sedan has achieved something groundbreaking for the automaker. Crash-tested by Global NCAP, the new Dzire received an impressive 5-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 4-star rating for child occupant protection. This accolade makes it the first Maruti vehicle to ever earn a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, marking a turning point for India's largest carmaker in terms of safety.
Improvements Over Previous Generations
The Dzire’s predecessor, the third-generation model, also underwent Global NCAP testing, achieving only a 2-star rating for adult and child occupant protection. That version had an unstable bodyshell and footwell, leaving it vulnerable to severe impacts. This notable leap in safety ratings for the new model addresses past critiques and sets a new standard for Maruti's future designs. With safety gaining prominence among Indian consumers, Maruti seems to be embracing a renewed focus on safety features.
Adult Occupant Protection
In the crash tests, the new Dzire scored 31.24 points out of 34 for adult occupant protection. The Global NCAP report praised the good protection for both the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck, although the driver’s chest protection was rated marginal, and the passenger’s chest protection was deemed adequate. Importantly, the bodyshell and footwell area was rated stable, highlighting the structural strength of the new Dzire, which Global NCAP noted was "capable of withstanding further loadings."
The side impact test yielded similarly positive results, with the Dzire performing well in protecting the head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. A side pole impact test showed marginal protection for the chest area but good protection for the head, abdomen, and pelvis, meeting Global NCAP’s performance criteria for Electronic Stability Control.
Child Occupant Protection
The Dzire's 39.20 points out of 42 in child occupant protection were another strong highlight. Testing simulated the safety of child seats for a 3-year-old in a forward-facing ISOFIX-installed seat and an 18-month-old in a rearward-facing seat. During frontal impact testing, the child seat for the 3-year-old effectively limited forward movement, providing full head and chest protection with minimal neck strain. Meanwhile, the seat for the 18-month-old prevented head exposure during impact, offering full protection.
One shortcoming, however, was the lack of an option to disconnect the front passenger airbag in case a rearward-facing child restraint system (CRS) is used on the front seat. This limitation affected the score slightly, though the overall protection level remained high.
Setting New Standards in Indian Car Safety
With the new Dzire, Maruti Suzuki seems to be setting a precedent in safety, turning years of criticism into an opportunity to lead. Whether this 5-star rating marks a new era for Maruti remains to be seen. Still, one thing is certain: the Indian automaker has made a powerful statement with the Dzire, championing a safer, more secure ride for its customers.
