In a significant development for India's popular small car segment, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio has undergone a crash test by the global safety watchdog, Global NCAP (GNCAP). The results reveal a mixed safety performance for the long-standing hatchback.
GNCAP Crash Test Results: A Detailed Breakdown
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio has been awarded a three-star rating for adult occupant protection (AOP). In this category, the vehicle scored 18.04 points out of a possible 34. For the safety of younger passengers, the car received a two-star rating for child occupant protection (COP), with a score of 18.57 points out of 49.
This assessment is particularly noteworthy as it evaluates the Celerio after Maruti Suzuki made a major upgrade to its safety package. The company had recently standardized six airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) across the model. However, the test results indicate that even with these critical additions, the hatchback could not meet the higher safety standards set by Global NCAP's updated and more stringent testing protocols.
Safety Features On Board: What Helped and What Didn't
The Celerio comes equipped with a comprehensive list of safety technologies aimed at protecting its occupants. The most highlighted feature is the inclusion of six airbags, which comprise dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags. This marks a substantial improvement over the older two-airbag configuration.
Other key safety systems include:
- ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution): Prevents wheel lock-up and intelligently distributes braking force for stable stops.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): An active system that helps prevent skidding and loss of control by managing brake force and engine power.
- Seat Belt Pretensioners and Force Limiters: These work in tandem during a crash; the pretensioner tightens the belt instantly, while the force limiter reduces chest injury risk by allowing controlled belt extension.
- Hill Hold Assist: Prevents the car from rolling back on an incline when the brake is released.
- Additional features like speed-sensing door locks, reverse parking sensors, and pedestrian protection further round off the safety suite.
Analysis: Why Did the Celerio Fall Short?
Despite the robust feature list, the three-star rating underscores a gap between offering safety equipment and achieving top-tier crashworthiness. Global NCAP's latest protocols are designed to push manufacturers toward stronger vehicle body structures and more effective overall occupant protection systems. The scores suggest that while the added airbags and electronic aids contribute to safety, the fundamental structural integrity of the vehicle in a high-impact collision may need further enhancement to achieve a four or five-star rating.
The results place the Maruti Suzuki Celerio in a competitive yet challenging position within India's budget hatchback market, where safety is increasingly becoming a primary purchase consideration for consumers.
