When we talk about buying a car in India, especially in the affordable sedan segment, safety was often not the top priority earlier. But things have started changing in recent years. And Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, is proving this shift once again. The all-new Maruti Suzuki Dzire has just bagged a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, making it one of the safest sedans in its segment.
This is a major upgrade not only for Maruti but also for the Indian market, where many buyers still choose cars based on mileage, price, and features, often ignoring safety. But now, with stricter Bharat NCAP crash tests, Indian buyers are finally getting the global safety standards they deserve — even in the mass-market cars like the Dzire.
What is Bharat NCAP & Why This Rating Matters?
For those who don’t know, Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) is India’s own crash safety testing authority, similar to Global NCAP but designed specifically to suit Indian road conditions and driving patterns.
A 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating means that the car offers excellent protection to both adult occupants and child passengers in various types of crash scenarios, including:
- Frontal crash
- Side impact
- Pole impact
- Pedestrian protection
- Safety assist features
This rating becomes very important for families, first-time buyers, and people who prioritize long highway drives, where safety can literally be life-saving.
Safety Features in New Maruti Dzire That Helped It Score 5 Stars
The new Dzire is not just about good looks and fuel economy anymore — it now offers solid safety features too:
| Safety Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| 6 Airbags | Standard in top variants |
| Electronic Stability Program (ESP) | Standard |
| Hill Hold Assist | Available |
| ABS with EBD | Standard |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts | Standard |
| Rear Parking Sensors & Camera | Available |
| 3-point Seatbelts (All seats) | Standard |
| High-Speed Alert System | Standard |
All these active and passive safety features helped the Dzire secure full marks in adult and child occupant protection.
Performance & Engine Options
Besides safety, buyers should also know that the new Dzire continues with its trusted 1.2-litre K-Series Dual Jet Petrol Engine:
- Power: 89 bhp
- Torque: 113 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual & AMT options
- Mileage: Around 22–24 km/l (ARAI-certified)
This makes it a perfect daily city car and even suitable for occasional highway drives.
Rivals of New Maruti Dzire with Bharat NCAP Safety Perspective
Now, let’s take a look at how the Dzire competes with its segment rivals in terms of safety and overall package:
| Car Model | Safety Rating | Key Safety Features |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Dzire (New) | 5-star (Bharat NCAP) | 6 airbags, ESP, ISOFIX |
| Honda Amaze | Yet to be tested | 2 airbags, ABS, ISOFIX |
| Hyundai Aura | 2-star (Global NCAP) | 2 airbags, optional 6 airbags |
| Tata Tigor | 4-star (Global NCAP) | 2 airbags, ABS, ISOFIX |
| Renault Triber (compact MPV alternative) | 4-star (Global NCAP) | 4 airbags in top variant |
Verdict: In terms of crash test scores, the Dzire now becomes the safest option among its direct competitors, giving it a clear advantage for safety-conscious buyers.
Pricing of New Maruti Dzire (Expected)
| Variant | Expected Ex-showroom Price |
|---|---|
| Base Model | ₹ 6.8 lakh |
| Mid Variant | ₹ 8.0 lakh |
| Top Variant | ₹ 9.5 lakh (approx) |
Of course, final prices may vary based on city, dealer offers, and festive discounts.
Why This 5-Star Rating Should Matter to Indian Buyers
- Safer for family & kids on highways
- Better insurance premiums (in some cases)
- Higher resale value due to safety rating
- Peace of mind for long-distance travel
- Safer choice for first-time drivers
In simple words, you’re not just paying for features, but for peace of mind.
Is Maruti Finally Catching Up in Safety?
For a long time, Maruti Suzuki was criticized for focusing more on mileage than safety. But with Bharat NCAP in place, even Maruti is now stepping up its game, making cars that are not just affordable but also safe.
Maruti’s recent models like:
- Maruti Fronx
- Maruti Brezza
- Maruti Baleno
have also seen major safety upgrades. This means buyers no longer need to compromise between mileage, pricing, or safety.
For official information, you can always visit: Maruti Suzuki India Official Website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, with its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, ESP, and 6 airbags, it’s now one of the safest cars for highway use in its segment.
Definitely! Apart from safety, it also offers better features, design, mileage, and comfort.
The Bharat NCAP test usually uses the base variant. So, even entry models should have excellent crash protection. Higher variants offer additional safety features.
Dzire now scores 5-star under Bharat NCAP while Tigor scored 4-star under Global NCAP. Dzire has an edge now.
Yes, with excellent fuel efficiency, safety rating, comfort, and resale value, it’s one of the most practical family sedans in India.
Final Verdict: Should You Consider Buying the New Maruti Dzire?
Absolutely. If you’re in the market for a reliable, fuel-efficient, safe compact sedan, the new Maruti Dzire with 5-star Bharat NCAP rating becomes an easy top choice in its segment. Maruti has successfully combined affordability, practicality, and now — much-needed safety. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading your family car, the Dzire makes a strong case for itself in 2025 and beyond.
