If you've ever argued over tea about whether Maruti cars are safe, here's something to toss into the mix. The Maruti Dzire and Baleno have just made their debut in the Bharat NCAP, and the results are more than decent. Trolls may want to sit this one out.
These two are the first Maruti Suzuki models to be tested under the Bharat NCAP safety programme, and they've both returned from the lab with their dignity intact. The Dzire, fresh off a 5-star Global NCAP score, has repeated the feat locally. The Baleno is close behind with a respectable 4-star rating.
Maruti Dzire: Safety with Simplicity
The compact sedan, armed with just two airbags, posted a 5-star rating for adult occupant protection. It scored 14.17 out of 16 in the frontal offset crash at 64 kmph, and 15.29 out of 16 in the side impact test.
The structure held firm, and protection was rated good for the head, neck, femurs, tibias, and pelvis. The chest protection was adequate, which is a notable achievement for a sedan in this price range.
Child safety was another high point. The Dzire clocked 41.57 out of 49 in child occupant protection. The CRS fitment scored a perfect 12, and both the 18-month and 3-year-old dummies stayed impressively safe during testing.
Maruti Baleno: Hatchback Holds Its Ground
The Baleno, offered with either 2 or 6 airbags depending on variant, scored four stars for adult protection across both trims. Frontal impact tests yielded 11.54 out of 16, while side impact tests scored 12.5 (2 airbags) and 14.99 (6 airbags).
Head and neck protection was rated good, but chest protection was marginal in the frontal test. The side airbags in higher variants significantly helped protect the chest, pelvis and head in lateral impacts.
Child occupant protection scored 34.81 out of 49, with a full 12 points awarded for CRS installation. Dynamic protection was rated well for the 18-month-old dummy but was somewhat limited for the 3-year-old in terms of head protection, which affected the final score.
Shared Safety Features
Both the Dzire and Baleno receive a healthy dose of technology, including electronic stability control, ISOFIX mounts, rear parking sensors, and even a 360-degree camera. Six airbags are standard in the Dzire but optional in the Baleno, depending on the variant.
What It'll Cost You
The Maruti Baleno is priced between Rs 6.7 lakh and Rs 9.92 lakh.
The Dzire ranges from Rs 6.84 lakh to Rs 10.19 lakh (all ex-showroom prices).
Final Word
With Bharat NCAP now in full swing, Indian buyers can finally see what their cars are made of — literally. The Dzire and Baleno have given Maruti something to be confident about. They're not just fuel-efficient city slickers anymore. They're safe, too.
