KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Maruti Suzuki India selects Baleno, Brezza, and Grand Vitara for Bharat NCAP crash testing
- Bharat NCAP, starting October 1, 2023, assesses M1 category vehicles for adult, child occupant protection, and safety assist technologies
- Evaluation includes various crash tests, such as frontal and side impact, with ratings ranging from one to five stars
Maruti Suzuki India, the nation's largest car manufacturer, is designating three vehicle models for assessment of their crash safety performance within the recently launched Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP). These vehicles include the highly popular Baleno premium hatchback, Maruti Brezza, and the mid-size SUV, Grand Vitara as per a senior executive from the company.
Let's look at what this means for the automotive space moving forward.
Maruti Grand Vitara, Baleno, And Brezza To Test Under Bharat NCAP Crash Test Rating
Bharat NCAP will be applicable to vehicles falling under the M1 category, which encompasses vehicles with a gross weight of up to 3,500kg. This category encompasses passenger vehicles with a capacity of not more than eight seats, in addition to the driver's seat. As a voluntary initiative, Bharat NCAP will necessitate the assessment of the base models of various vehicle makes. The program is set to initiate on October 1, 2023, and will be overseen by the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT).
Also, Read-Renault Exploring Introduction Of Strong Hybrid Cars In India- Details
Rahul Bharti, Executive Officer of Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki India, noted, " Any car that is launched in India follows the mandatory safety standards set by the government ." He added. "For consumers seeking extra safety information, the Bharat NCAP system is an authentic and objective rating system to empower the customer to make an informed choice," Bharti said that Maruti welcomes this initiative of the government and will offer at least three models for Bharat NCAP testing in the first lot itself.
"At the same time, we would request all users to fasten seatbelts, whether in the front or rear seats, as that is the most critical factor in keeping passengers safe," he said.
In A Nutshell: How Bharat NCAP Awards Rating
Within the framework of Bharat NCAP, vehicles undergo evaluation across three critical dimensions. These comprise adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, and safety assist technologies. Independent ratings are assigned to each category.
The assessment entails a series of crash tests, encompassing the offset deformable barrier frontal impact test, side impact test, and pole side impact test. These tests involve speeds of 64kmph, 50kmph, and 29kmph for frontal impact, side impact, and pole side impact tests respectively. The resulting ratings then span a scale from one to five stars.
Come October 1, car manufacturers can volunteer to get a star rating indicating the safety of their models in a crash, under this indigenous crash testing system.
Verdict
Maruti Suzuki's decision to submit its Baleno, Brezza, and Grand Vitara models to Bharat NCAP's rigorous crash safety assessments underscores its commitment to improving vehicle safety. Starting October 1, 2023, this voluntary initiative will thoroughly evaluate these models in critical areas. Crash test ratings help in enhancing adult and child occupant protection as well as safety assist technologies. The resulting ratings will aid consumers in making informed choices and encourage manufacturers to prioritize safety advancements, ultimately contributing to safer roads and increased adoption of advanced safety features. Also, join our Whatsapp Group Community of petrolheads to find out more exciting news like this.
Also, Read- Sneak Peek: Tata Punch EV Spotted Ahead Of Launch- Check Pictures
