In a move to bolster its safety image, Maruti Suzuki has taken the proactive step of subjecting three of its popular models—Baleno, Brezza, and Grand Vitara—to the rigorous testing procedures of the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP). This decision aligns with the increasing industry focus on car safety, driven by heightened consumer awareness and stringent safety standards.
The inclusion of the Baleno in the testing roster may come as a surprise, considering it has not been traditionally associated with safety concerns. In contrast, the Brezza and Grand Vitara, both based on the Global C-platform, were expected contenders for safety evaluations. However, Maruti Suzuki has not disclosed the expected timeline for the release of the crash test reports.
BNCAP and Its Significance
The Bharat New Car Assessment Program, established in October 2023, mirrors its global counterpart, GNCAP, with tailored adjustments to suit Indian driving conditions. This program evaluates vehicles on three crucial parameters: Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP), and Safety Assist Technologies (SAT). Similar to GNCAP, BNCAP assigns safety ratings ranging from five stars to zero stars, providing consumers with a clear indication of a vehicle’s protective capabilities.
Understanding the Star Ratings
The star ratings from BNCAP play a pivotal role in assessing a vehicle’s safety performance:
- 5-Star Safety: Excellent crash protection performance, coupled with key Safety Assist Technologies.
- 4-Star Safety: Very good crash protection performance, with additional identified Safety Assist Technologies.
- 3-Star Safety: Good crash protection performance, accompanied by specified additional Safety Assist Technologies.
- 2-Star Safety: Nominal crash protection performance, with either no or optional implementation of identified Safety Assist Technologies.
- 1-Star Safety: Marginal crash protection performance, exceeding regulatory limits, and lacking identified Safety Assist Technologies.
Maruti Suzuki’s initiative to voluntarily undergo BNCAP testing underscores its commitment to raising safety standards and providing consumers with transparent information about the safety features of its vehicles.
