Maruti Brezza, Baleno, and Grand Vitara to go for BNCAP crash testing.

Key Highlights

• Maruti Suzuki sends Brezza, Baleno, and Grand Vitara for Bharat NCAP crash tests.
• Fronx to follow in the second batch.
• Maruti aims to address safety concerns.
• Previous-gen Vitara Brezza had a good safety rating.
• Baleno scored poorly in Latin NCAP tests.
• Grand Vitara's safety yet to be evaluated.
• Tata Harrier and Safari achieved 5-star BNCAP rating.
• Maruti's proactive move emphasizes safety and consumer confidence.

First Batch of Maruti Cars to Undergo Bharat NCAP Evaluation

In a significant move to address safety concerns surrounding its models, Maruti Suzuki has officially announced that three of its popular vehicles - the Brezza, Baleno, and Grand Vitara - are set to undergo rigorous crash testing by the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP). This comes as the automaker aims to enhance the safety reputation of its vehicles and respond to previous criticisms, particularly regarding some models' poor performance in Global NCAP tests. Shashank Srivastava, senior executive director of Sales and Marketing at Maruti Suzuki, made the announcement during the celebration of Fronx's achievement of 1 lakh sales, marking a crucial step in prioritizing safety across their lineup.

Maruti Fronx to Follow in Second Batch

While the Brezza, Baleno, and Grand Vitara lead the first batch of cars for BNCAP testing, Srivastava also confirmed that the Fronx would join the second batch of vehicles to undergo crash testing. This move comes as Maruti Suzuki aims to address concerns regarding the safety of its cars, especially after some of its models performed poorly in Global NCAP tests.

Maruti Suzuki's Safety Record

Maruti Suzuki's safety record has faced surveys, with models like Alto K10 and Wagon R scoring low ratings in Global NCAP's Safest Cars for India campaign in 2023. Responding to the criticisms in 2022, Maruti Suzuki chairman RC Bhargava expressed confidence that sticking to NCAP standards would not significantly impact accident rates.

Model-Specific Safety Performance

The Baleno, although not tested by Global NCAP, received a zero-star rating in Latin NCAP crash tests, highlighting potential safety concerns. However, the previous-generation Vitara Brezza fared well in Global NCAP tests in 2018, achieving a 4-star adult occupancy rating and 2 stars for child occupancy.

Expectations for the Grand Vitara

The Grand Vitara, a recent addition to Maruti Suzuki's lineup, is yet to undergo global safety evaluations. The company is optimistic that this midsize SUV, along with the Baleno and Brezza, will perform well in Bharat NCAP crash tests, countering the perception of some models as less safe.

Bharat NCAP Crash Test Milestones

Bharat NCAP, launched in August of the previous year, released its first crash test results in December. The Tata Harrier and Safari emerged as the first recipients of the 5-star BNCAP rating, setting a high standard for safety in Indian cars. Hyundai's Tucson is expected to be the first car from the Korean automaker to undergo BNCAP testing, followed by the Exter.

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Verdict

As Maruti Suzuki takes proactive measures to subject its popular models to rigorous crash testing, the results from BNCAP will likely play a pivotal role in shaping perceptions about the safety of these vehicles among Indian consumers. This move not only reflects the company's commitment to prioritizing safety standards but also underscores its dedication to rebuilding consumer confidence by addressing safety concerns head-on. The upcoming BNCAP evaluations are assured to be a turning point for Maruti Suzuki as it attempts to position its vehicles as not only fuel-efficient and stylish but also as embodiment of top-tier safety in the competitive Indian automotive market.