New Maruti Suzuki Dzire Sets New Safety Benchmark with Five-Star Global NCAP Rating

The , launched in India this week, has made headlines by achieving a five-star rating for adult occupant safety and four stars for child occupant safety in the Global NCAP voluntary test—a first for Maruti Suzuki. Equipped with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and pedestrian protection as standard features, the new Dzire reflects Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to enhancing vehicle safety in the Indian market.

A Breakthrough in Maruti Suzuki’s Safety Standards

Global NCAP’s rigorous crash test protocols examine frontal and side impact protection, as well as ESC, pedestrian protection, and side pole impact for vehicles aiming for the highest ratings. The new Dzire’s stellar performance across these areas underscores Maruti Suzuki’s significant strides in safety innovation. Commenting on this achievement, David Ward, Executive President of the Towards Zero Foundation, praised the breakthrough:

“The new Dzire’s five-star rating sets a significant safety benchmark for Maruti Suzuki compared to the previous version of this model and others from Maruti we have tested. We are optimistic that going forward Maruti will seek to achieve this high level of safety performance across their model range. If they do, it will be a vehicle safety game changer for Indian consumers.”

Safety Features and Test Results of the New Dzire (2024 Model)

Maruti Suzuki voluntarily submitted the new Dzire for testing, and it passed with flying colors. Key highlights include:

• Stable Structure and Footwell Area: Rated as stable, the structure demonstrated the capacity to withstand additional loading.
• Three-Point Belts: Available in all seating positions for enhanced restraint in collisions.
• i-Size Anchorages: Included as standard to secure child safety seats.
• Protection in Crash Tests: The chest of the driver dummy showed marginal protection in frontal tests, while the side impact test showed full protection for adult occupants. The pole test indicated full head protection.

For child safety, the 18-month-old dummy showed full protection, and the three-year-old dummy received good head and chest protection, with room for improvement in neck safety if fitted with a rearward-facing Child Restraint System (CRS).

Comparing the New and Outgoing Dzire Models

The previous Dzire model, tested by Global NCAP as part of an independent initiative, scored only two stars for adult and child occupant protection. Key concerns included an unstable structure and footwell area, and only two frontal airbags were standard. The lack of three-point belts in all seating positions and limited side head protection contributed to its low rating, especially in side impact tests.

This transition to the new Dzire, with robust safety enhancements, marks a pivotal shift for Maruti Suzuki. With production of the older model set to conclude this year, the new Dzire is expected to redefine safety expectations for Indian consumers.

A Hopeful Future for Safer Roads in India

With the new Dzire’s five-star Global NCAP rating, Maruti Suzuki has set a new standard that raises the bar for safety in India’s automotive market. If the brand’s future models continue to uphold and expand these safety advancements, the impact on Indian road safety could be transformative. For Indian consumers, this milestone symbolizes a promising shift toward prioritizing safety in cars designed for the mass market.