The release of the new fourth-generation Maruti Dzire marks a milestone for Maruti Suzuki, as it becomes the first model from the automaker to achieve a 5-star Global NCAP (GNCAP) safety rating. This breakthrough in safety standards signifies Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to enhancing occupant protection and meeting the growing demand for safety among Indian consumers. Below, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the Dzire’s impressive crash test performance, standard safety features, and how this vehicle stands as a testament to Maruti’s renewed focus on safety.
Maruti Dzire’s GNCAP Crash Test Results
Adult Occupant Protection (AOP)
In the GNCAP test, the Maruti Dzire scored an outstanding 31.24 points out of 34 in adult occupant protection. This rating reflects significant improvements over previous generations, including robust protection for critical body areas:
- Head and Neck: Both driver and passenger received good protection, demonstrating effective restraint from seatbelts and airbags.
- Chest: The driver’s chest showed marginal protection, while the passenger’s chest protection was rated adequate.
- Knees: Good protection was observed for both the driver’s and passenger’s knees, indicating structural advancements in dashboard design.
The Dzire’s bodyshell and footwell area were both rated as stable and capable of withstanding further loads, indicating a well-reinforced structure designed to protect passengers in severe collisions.
Child Occupant Protection (COP)
For child occupants, the new Dzire scored an impressive 39.20 points out of 42. This high score is attributed to:
- ISOFIX Mounts: Integrated ISOFIX anchorages enabled secure installation of child restraint systems (CRS) for both 18-month-old and 3-year-old occupants.
- Head and Chest Protection: The forward-facing CRS for the 3-year-old child limited forward movement during frontal impacts, providing full head and chest protection. Similarly, the rearward-facing CRS for the 18-month-old effectively prevented head exposure.
- Compliance with Side Impact Regulations: The CRS systems provided full protection during side impacts, enhancing safety across all seating positions.
However, the inability to disconnect the front passenger airbag when a rearward-facing CRS is installed on the front seat slightly reduced the overall child occupant score.
Advanced Safety Features of the New Maruti Dzire
Comprehensive Airbag System
The Dzire now comes equipped with six airbags as standard, providing comprehensive coverage for front and side-impact protection. This inclusion reflects a significant shift towards more comprehensive safety measures, directly addressing past criticisms of Maruti’s limited airbag offerings.
Enhanced Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as a standard feature, the new Dzire meets Global NCAP’s performance requirements. ESC has been instrumental in reducing the risk of rollovers and ensuring better vehicle control in emergency maneuvers, adding a critical layer of protection.
Three-Point Seatbelts
Maruti has incorporated 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, which improves restraint for rear-seat passengers, especially in high-speed impacts. Each seatbelt is equipped with a reminder system, reducing the risk of passengers traveling unrestrained.
Side Impact and Side Pole Impact Performance
The Dzire performed exceptionally well in both side impact and side pole impact tests:
- Side Impact Test: The vehicle offered excellent protection for the head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis, demonstrating the integrity of side airbags and door reinforcements.
- Side Pole Impact Test: Good protection for head, abdomen, and pelvis was observed, although marginal protection was noted for the chest area. This performance underlines the vehicle’s ability to minimize injury risk in severe side collisions.
Compliance with Pedestrian Protection Standards
The Dzire meets UN 127 pedestrian protection norms, further reinforcing Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to road safety. These standards require modifications to the vehicle’s front structure to reduce injury risk for pedestrians, emphasizing that Maruti’s safety vision extends beyond just occupant protection.
Maruti Suzuki’s Commitment to Safety Innovation
The Dzire’s stellar performance represents a turning point for Maruti Suzuki, which has historically been scrutinized for the lower safety ratings of its models. The automaker’s decision to voluntarily submit the Dzire for GNCAP testing indicates growing confidence in their latest safety improvements. The 5-star rating not only sets a new benchmark for Maruti Suzuki but also aligns with India’s increasing emphasis on vehicle safety as a top priority.
Improvements Over Previous Generations
The preceding third-generation Dzire model, which received a 2-star rating in both adult and child protection, exposed stability issues in the bodyshell and footwell area. Maruti has addressed these weaknesses in the latest generation by reinforcing structural integrity, increasing airbag coverage, and integrating ESC as standard. The shift in safety culture within Maruti reflects their commitment to meeting evolving consumer expectations.
Global NCAP’s Perspective on the Dzire’s Safety Milestone
David Ward, Executive President of the Towards Zero Foundation, praised the Dzire’s achievement as a significant benchmark for Maruti Suzuki. Ward stated, “The new Dzire’s 5-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.”
This endorsement from GNCAP not only validates Maruti’s advancements but also emphasizes the impact of voluntary compliance with global safety standards in transforming vehicle safety in India.
Comparison of Safety Ratings with Competing Models
| Model | Global NCAP Rating (AOP) | Global NCAP Rating (COP) | Standard Airbags | ESC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Dzire (2024) | 5 Stars | 4 Stars | 6 | Yes |
| Hyundai Aura | 4 Stars | 3 Stars | 2 | No |
| Honda Amaze | 4 Stars | 3 Stars | 2 | No |
| Tata Tigor | 4 Stars | 4 Stars | 2 | Yes |
| Ford Aspire (Discontinued) | 3 Stars | 2 Stars | 2 | No |
This table illustrates that the Dzire currently offers the highest level of standard safety features within its segment, setting a new precedent in India’s compact sedan market.
Conclusion: A Safer Future for Maruti and Indian Consumers
With the new Maruti Dzire securing a 5-star GNCAP safety rating, Maruti Suzuki has achieved a historic milestone that underscores their dedication to safety. This model showcases a proactive shift in Maruti’s approach to passenger protection, aligning with India’s increasing demand for safer vehicles. The Dzire sets a new industry standard, demonstrating that safety does not have to be compromised in affordable, mass-market vehicles. Moving forward, Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to elevating safety across their entire lineup could indeed be a game changer, inspiring competitors and advancing consumer safety on Indian roads.
