Dzire Beats Cars like Virtus, Slavia and Verna in Adult Safety Ratings

Maruti Suzuki’s all-new Dzire has made headlines by becoming the first model from the brand to earn a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP (GNCAP). With an impressive 31.24 out of 34 points in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 39.20 out of 49 in Child Occupant Protection (COP), this rating marks a significant improvement in Maruti’s safety standards, especially in a market where safety has become a major factor for consumers.

India’s SAFEST Sedan*

The Global NCAP test results have surprised critics as the latest Dzire has set a benchmark not only in its category but has also become the highest-rated sedan in terms of Adult Safety Rating, scoring 31.24 points, surpassing sedans like the Virtus, Slavia which both scored 29.71 points, and the Verna, which scored 28.18 points. It could have claimed the title of India’s Safest Sedan if the child safety ratings had achieved 5 stars.

The most crucial part of the test is that both the bodyshell integrity (frontal) and side impact protection doors have been rated stable by NCAP, unlike the Verna and Carens, which were rated unstable in these areas.

_{*Only in adult safety}

Key Safety Features of the New Dzire

The new Dzire was tested in its India-specific model, featuring several safety enhancements, many of which are standard across all variants. These include:

• Six Airbags: Offering front, side head, and side chest protection.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Ensuring stability in sudden maneuvers.
• ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors: For secure installation of child seats.
• 3-Point Seat Belts: Available for all seats with seat belt reminders.
• Pedestrian Protection: Compliant with UN 127 pedestrian protection standards.

This comprehensive set of safety features, combined with advanced structural integrity, contributed to the Dzire’s high safety scores in GNCAP’s rigorous testing.

Adult Occupant Protection (AOP)

The Dzire scored 31.24 out of 34 in Adult Occupant Protection, demonstrating strong resilience in both frontal and side impact tests:

• Frontal Impact: The driver and passenger head and neck areas were rated as “Good,” while chest protection was “Marginal” for the driver and “Adequate” for the passenger.
• Side Impact: The Dzire offered “Good” protection for the head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Additionally, the bodyshell and footwell area were rated as stable and capable of withstanding further loading, ensuring added durability.
• Side Pole Impact: During the side pole impact test, the head, abdomen, and pelvis protection remained strong, although chest protection was noted as “Marginal.”

The high AOP score indicates that the Dzire provides solid protection across a range of potential accident scenarios, raising the bar for Maruti Suzuki’s future models.

Child Occupant Protection (COP)

With a score of 39.20 out of 49 in Child Occupant Protection, the Dzire performed exceptionally well:

• 3-Year-Old Child Seat: Installed using ISOFIX anchorages with a top tether, the forward-facing child seat effectively prevented excessive movement in a frontal crash. It offered full protection to the head and chest, though neck protection was somewhat limited.
• 18-Month-Old Child Seat: Positioned rearward-facing with ISOFIX and a support leg, this seat provided full protection to the head and body during impact.
• Overall Installation: The CRS installation passed successfully across all positions, although the front passenger airbag could not be disabled, limiting options for rearward-facing child seats in the front.

These scores underscore the Dzire’s capability to protect younger passengers, highlighting Maruti’s commitment to family safety.

Advanced Safety Tests and Features

In addition to traditional crash tests, the new Dzire underwent several advanced safety assessments:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Performed satisfactorily in Global NCAP’s test, maintaining stability during sudden maneuvers.
• Seat Belt Reminder (SBR): Available for all seats, meeting current safety requirements.
• Pedestrian Protection: The Dzire complies with UN 127 standards, which focus on reducing pedestrian injury during collisions.

Maruti voluntarily sent the Dzire for testing, signaling the brand’s confidence in its safety credentials. David Ward, Executive President of the Towards Zero Foundation, commended Maruti for this achievement, hoping this sets a new safety benchmark for future Maruti models.

Design and Powertrain Updates

The new Dzire pairs its robust safety features with a refreshed design, adding premium features such as a sunroof, which is a first for the Dzire. It will come with a CNG variant, boasting an impressive claimed mileage of 33.75 km/kg. Under the hood, the Dzire is powered by a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder Z-Series engine producing 82 PS and 111.7 Nm of torque.

Conclusion

With the new Dzire, Maruti Suzuki has taken a substantial step forward in vehicle safety, offering customers a blend of advanced safety features and modern design. Scheduled for launch 11th November, the Dzire’s 5-star rating in GNCAP tests sets a strong precedent for future Maruti models in the Indian market. This achievement not only raises Maruti’s profile in terms of safety but also adds a compelling reason for customers to consider the Dzire as a top choice in the compact sedan segment.