The latest Global NCAP (GNCAP) crash test update has brought mixed news for Maruti Suzuki. While the Maruti Celerio has shown improvement in its safety performance, the Maruti Ciaz has received a disappointing one-star rating. These results once again highlight the growing importance of vehicle safety standards in India and the clear gap between different models within the same brand.
With Indian car buyers becoming more safety-conscious, GNCAP ratings are now a crucial factor influencing purchase decisions.
What Is GNCAP and Why It Matters?
Global NCAP is an independent organisation that evaluates vehicle safety through crash tests. Cars are assessed based on:
Adult occupant protection
Child occupant protection
Structural integrity
Availability of safety features
The ratings range from 0 to 5 stars, with higher stars indicating better crash protection. For Indian buyers, these ratings provide transparent and comparable safety information.
Maruti Celerio: Safety Performance Shows Improvement
The Maruti Celerio, a popular budget hatchback, has shown better results compared to its earlier performance in GNCAP tests.
Key Takeaways for Celerio:
Improved body shell stability
Better occupant protection than before
Standard safety features helped improve the score
Still not among the safest cars, but a step in the right direction
For a car positioned in the affordable hatchback segment, this improvement is significant. It indicates that manufacturers can enhance safety even in budget cars without drastically increasing costs.
Why Celerio’s Improvement Is Important
The Celerio sells in large numbers, especially among:
First-time car buyers
City commuters
Budget-focused families
An improvement in safety rating means millions of users potentially benefit from better protection. While it may not be a top performer in absolute terms, the progress reflects changing priorities in the entry-level segment.
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Maruti Ciaz: One-Star Rating Raises Concerns
On the other hand, the Maruti Ciaz, a mid-size sedan positioned higher than the Celerio, has received just a one-star rating in the latest GNCAP test.
Key Concerns for Ciaz:
Weak adult occupant protection
Structural limitations observed during crash tests
Safety performance not matching its segment positioning
For a car priced and marketed as a premium family sedan, this result is disappointing and raises serious questions about passenger safety expectations.
Why the Ciaz Rating Is More Concerning
The Ciaz competes in a segment where buyers expect:
Better build quality
Enhanced safety features
Stronger crash protection
A one-star rating puts it at a disadvantage against rivals that offer higher safety standards. This could significantly impact buyer perception, especially as safety awareness grows in India.
Comparing the Two: Celerio vs Ciaz
| Aspect | Celerio | Ciaz |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Entry-level hatchback | Mid-size sedan |
| GNCAP Result | Improved performance | One-star rating |
| Buyer Expectation | Basic safety | Higher safety |
| Market Impact | Positive improvement | Negative perception |
The irony is clear: a budget hatchback improving its score, while a higher-segment sedan struggles.
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What This Means for Maruti Suzuki
Maruti Suzuki dominates the Indian car market in terms of sales volume, but safety perception remains a challenge.
Key Implications:
Pressure to improve safety across all segments
Need to strengthen body structures
Opportunity to upgrade safety features as standard
Risk of losing buyers to safer alternatives
The improved result for Celerio shows that progress is possible. However, the Ciaz result indicates inconsistent safety standards within the lineup.
Impact on Indian Car Buyers
For buyers, this update sends a clear message:
Price and brand alone are not enough
Safety ratings should be checked before purchase
Entry-level cars can improve, but premium cars must deliver more
Buyers planning a new car purchase should compare safety ratings alongside price, mileage, and features.
Will These Ratings Influence Future Models?
GNCAP ratings have already influenced the Indian market:
Manufacturers are strengthening platforms
More airbags and safety tech are becoming standard
Safety is now part of marketing communication
Maruti Suzuki is likely to:
Improve safety in future updates
Rework underperforming models
Align better with evolving regulations and customer expectations
Final Verdict
The latest GNCAP crash test update paints a mixed picture for Maruti Suzuki. The Celerio’s improved performance is encouraging and shows progress in the budget segment. However, the Ciaz’s one-star rating is a serious concern for a sedan aimed at family buyers.
As safety becomes a deciding factor in car purchases, manufacturers will need to ensure consistent and high safety standards across their entire portfolio. For buyers, this update reinforces the importance of looking beyond features and mileage and prioritising crash safety.
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