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The Indian automotive market is witnessing a significant shift towards prioritizing safety standards, and Maruti Suzuki, the country's largest carmaker, has made a noteworthy stride in this direction. The upcoming compact sedan, the Dzire, has achieved a remarkable five-star rating for adult occupant safety and four stars for child occupant safety in the prestigious Global NCAP crash tests. This achievement marks a historic moment for Maruti Suzuki, as it becomes the first model from the brand to reach this coveted safety milestone.
Traditionally, five-star safety ratings have been a hallmark of models from Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and esteemed European automakers like Volkswagen and Skoda. However, the Dzire's exceptional performance in the Global NCAP tests signifies a paradigm shift for Maruti Suzuki, who have been criticized in the past for the lack of five-star safety-rated vehicles in their lineup. This success carries significant weight, especially in the Indian market where the Dzire is one of the best-selling cars, making it a crucial step towards enhancing safety standards for a vast number of consumers.
The new Dzire, slated for launch on November 11th, boasts an array of safety features that contributed to its stellar performance. It comes standard with six airbags, providing comprehensive protection for occupants in the event of a collision. Additionally, the car is equipped with electronic stability control (ESC), a crucial system that helps maintain vehicle stability during challenging driving conditions and assists in preventing skidding or rollovers. Pedestrian protection is also included as a standard feature, underscoring Maruti Suzuki's commitment to safety for all road users.
David Ward, Executive President of the Towards Zero Foundation, aptly describes the Dzire's achievement as a significant safety benchmark for Maruti Suzuki, especially when compared to previous versions and other Maruti models tested by Global NCAP. He expresses hope that Maruti will strive to achieve this high level of safety across their entire model range. If Maruti succeeds in implementing this commitment, it could have a transformative impact on vehicle safety in India, potentially leading to a safer driving environment for all.
Global NCAP's crash test protocols are stringent and comprehensive, designed to provide an unbiased assessment of vehicle safety. They evaluate frontal and side impact protection for all vehicles, emphasizing the importance of protecting occupants from various crash scenarios. The inclusion of electronic stability control (ESC) in the assessment protocol underscores its crucial role in enhancing vehicle stability and preventing accidents. Furthermore, for vehicles to earn the highest star ratings, they must pass pedestrian protection and side pole impact tests, highlighting the holistic approach to safety embodied by Global NCAP.
The Dzire's five-star safety rating marks a significant step forward for Maruti Suzuki and sets a new standard for the Indian automotive industry. By prioritizing safety and equipping their vehicles with comprehensive safety features, Maruti Suzuki demonstrates a commitment to protecting their customers and contributing to a safer driving environment in India. This achievement has the potential to encourage other carmakers to prioritize safety in their vehicles, ultimately leading to a positive impact on road safety in the country.
Source: New Dzire becomes Maruti Suzuki’s first 5-star rated car in Global NCAP safety tests