Why Maruti Suzuki Chose Global NCAP Over Bharat NCAP for Testing the Dzire
Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest automaker, has made headlines with its latest generation of the Dzire sedan earning a coveted five-star rating from the Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP). This remarkable achievement marks a significant step forward for Maruti, a brand often criticized in the past for its safety standards.
But why did the automaker opt for GNCAP testing over the newer Bharat NCAP (BNCAP), India’s homegrown crash-testing program?
The answer lies in strategy, visibility, and the global aspirations of the Dzire.
The latest Dzire’s impressive five-star rating from GNCAP has not only boosted Maruti Suzuki's reputation but also silenced skeptics who have questioned the company’s commitment to vehicle safety. In a bold move, Maruti voluntarily submitted both the fourth-generation Dzire and its predecessor to GNCAP for testing.
While the outgoing Dzire earned a modest two-star rating, the stark contrast with the new model’s five-star performance underscores Maruti’s progress in prioritizing safety. This achievement highlights the automaker’s investments in improving structural integrity, enhancing safety features, and aligning with global safety standards.
India launched Bharat NCAP in 2023 to provide localized crash-testing standards for vehicles sold domestically. The program has quickly gained credibility, offering a testing methodology that is nearly identical to that of GNCAP.
However, Maruti Suzuki’s choice to go with GNCAP instead of BNCAP was a strategic one, rooted in Dzire’s dual role as both a domestic and global product.
Global Visibility
GNCAP has been conducting crash tests in India for over a decade and enjoys worldwide recognition. In comparison, BNCAP is relatively new and focused on the Indian market, limiting its visibility in international arenas. Since the Dzire is not only a best-seller in India but also exported to regions like Africa, South America, and the Middle East, a five-star GNCAP rating carries more weight globally.
Marketing Leverage
A five-star GNCAP rating is a powerful marketing tool, especially in international markets where safety ratings significantly influence purchasing decisions. For Maruti Suzuki, the GNCAP certification elevates the Dzire’s appeal as a safe and reliable sedan, a feature that is often rare in the car’s segment and price point in many emerging markets.
Highlighting Progress
By subjecting both the outgoing and latest models to GNCAP tests, Maruti showcased its progress in safety over the years. The two-star rating for the older Dzire contrasted against the five-star rating for the new model serves as a testament to Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to improving safety standards, aligning with global benchmarks, and addressing past criticisms.
The leap from two stars to five stars didn’t happen overnight. The latest-generation Dzire boasts several upgrades in safety features and structural design.
Enhanced Structural Integrity: The new Dzire incorporates high-strength steel and improved crash structures, ensuring better energy absorption during collisions.
Advanced Safety Features: The sedan now comes equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and ISOFIX child seat mounts, all of which contributed to its high GNCAP rating.
Child Occupant Safety: The GNCAP test also highlighted significant improvements in child occupant safety, an area often overlooked in budget-friendly cars.
Bharat NCAP, although still in its infancy, is expected to play a vital role in improving vehicle safety standards in India. It has the potential to create localized benchmarks, raise awareness among Indian consumers, and encourage automakers to prioritize safety across all vehicle segments.
For now, however, Maruti Suzuki’s decision to prioritize GNCAP for the Dzire demonstrates that global visibility and market considerations still take precedence for vehicles with an international footprint.
The five-star GNCAP rating for the Dzire represents a turning point for Maruti Suzuki. It not only dispels the long-held notion that Maruti compromises on safety to keep costs low but also sets a new standard for the Indian automotive market.
As the Dzire continues to strengthen its position both in India and overseas, this achievement underscores the growing importance of safety in the minds of automakers and consumers alike. By prioritizing global safety standards, Maruti Suzuki is not just protecting its customers but also its reputation as a leading automotive brand.
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