Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to submit its initial batch for the Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) crash test. The first group will comprise three models: the Baleno hatchback, the Brezza subcompact SUV, and the Grand Vitara mid-size SUV. In contrast, the subsequent set will include the Maruti Fronx compact crossover, which recently achieved a sales milestone of 1 lakh units in the country. This information was disclosed by Shashank Srivastava, the Executive Director at Maruti Suzuki India Pvt Limited.
It is common knowledge that the Made-in-India Maruti Suzuki Baleno underwent Latin NCAP crash tests in late 2021, resulting in a zero-star rating. The tested model, equipped with two airbags as standard safety features, has never undergone Global NCAP testing. On the other hand, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza received a 4-star rating for adult safety and a 2-star rating for child safety from Global NCAP in 2018. The subcompact SUV entered its second generation in 2022 while maintaining the same body shell platform. As for the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, it is a relatively new offering that has not undergone crash testing by any global body.
The Bharat NCAP results for these three Maruti Suzuki models are anticipated with great interest. It’s noteworthy that Tata Motors was the first OEM to subject its models to crash tests. The Harrier and Safari SUVs, assessed under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme in December 2023, secured a 5-star rating. These SUVs scored 30.08/32 points for adult occupant protection and 44.54/49 points for child occupant protection.
Hyundai Motor India is set to present the Tucson SUV as its first model for testing under Bharat NCAP, with the Exter micro SUV likely to follow. The current generation of Tucson underwent testing by Euro NCAP and Latin NCAP in 2021 and 2022, securing 5 stars and 3 stars, respectively.
