Maruti Brezza, Grand Vitara, Baleno Expected to Achieve 5-Star Ratings in Bharat NCAP Crash Tests

Maruti Suzuki appears poised to be a leader in car safety in India, with sources indicating that its Brezza, Grand Vitara, and Baleno models are expected to achieve 5-star ratings in the country's new crash testing program, Bharat NCAP.

Maruti Applies for Bharat NCAP Ratings

• This news comes after Maruti Suzuki actively sought Bharat NCAP ratings for some of its vehicles, according to sources at Business Today.

• The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) launched Bharat NCAP in August 2023 to establish a comprehensive car safety assessment program specific to Indian road conditions.

Bharat NCAP: India's First Domestic Crash Testing Program

• The inaugural round of Bharat NCAP testing commenced in December 2023, with the Tata Safari and Harrier securing the coveted 5-star safety rating.

• This program mirrors the successful Global NCAP initiative, but with a critical distinction: Bharat NCAP evaluations are specifically designed to reflect the unique challenges of Indian roadways.

Significance of Bharat NCAP

• With the launch of Bharat NCAP, India joins a select group of nations, including the United States, China, South Korea, and Japan, that possess their own dedicated car crash testing facilities.

• Previously, Indian car safety was assessed by Global NCAP. However, Bharat NCAP now takes center stage in determining the safety standards of cars manufactured and sold in India.

Bharat NCAP Testing Procedures

• The program focuses on the M1 vehicle category, encompassing passenger cars with a maximum gross weight of 3,500 kg and seating capacity for up to eight passengers (excluding the driver).

• Bharat NCAP assessments are conducted in three crucial areas:

  • Adult Occupant Protection: This evaluates the car's ability to safeguard adult passengers in the event of a collision.

  • Child Occupant Protection: This assesses the car's effectiveness in protecting children during a crash.

  • Safety Assist Technologies: This evaluates the car's built-in safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning systems.

Bharat NCAP Test Methodology

• Similar to Global NCAP, Bharat NCAP employs a standardized test procedure. Cars are subjected to a frontal crash simulation by propelling them into a stationary barrier or pole at a predetermined speed of 64 kilometers per hour.

Maruti Suzuki's potential achievement of 5-star ratings for its Brezza, Grand Vitara, and Baleno models in Bharat NCAP signifies a significant commitment to passenger safety in the Indian market. This development is expected to encourage other car manufacturers to prioritize safety features and design elements that cater to the specific needs of Indian roads.

Key Parameters of Bharat NCAP Assessment:

Under Bharat NCAP, vehicles undergo comprehensive evaluations across three crucial domains: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, and safety assist technologies. These assessments provide consumers with valuable insights into the safety performance of vehicles and aid in informed purchasing decisions.

Conclusion:

As anticipation mounts for Maruti Suzuki's vehicles to attain 5-star safety ratings in Bharat NCAP crash tests, the automotive industry in India is witnessing a transformative shift towards enhanced vehicle safety standards.

With Bharat NCAP paving the way for rigorous safety assessments, manufacturers are compelled to prioritize occupant protection and elevate safety benchmarks across the board, ensuring safer journeys for motorists nationwide.