Maruti Suzuki Baleno Scores 4-Star Safety Rating in Bharat NCAP Crash Test
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Waves the Flag of Safety
India’s popular hatchback, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, recently underwent crash testing under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) and delivered a strong performance. According to the test results, the Baleno earned a four-star overall safety rating, boosting consumer confidence in the brand.
Safety Rating Breakdown
| Safety Category | Score (AOP / COP) | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) | 26.52 / 32 | ★★★★ |
| Child Occupant Protection (COP) | 34.81 / 49 | ★★★ |
- The AOP score of 26.52/32 earned Baleno its four-star rating.
- The COP score of 34.81/49 corresponds to a three-star child safety rating.
This evaluation was conducted on Baleno’s Delta AGS and Alpha AGS variants, which weigh approximately 1,220 kg. However, Bharat NCAP clarified that the ratings apply across all Baleno variants, such as Zeta and Alpha MT as well.
Crumple Zone Testing — Frontal & Side Impact
- Frontal Offset Deformable Barrier Test: Scored 11.54/16. Passengers received ‘adequate’ to ‘marginal’ protection for head, chest, and legs; the driver’s chest and tibia received ‘marginal’ protection.
- Side Movable Deformable Barrier Test: Scored 14.99/16, providing good protection for the head, abdomen, and pelvis; chest protection was rated ‘adequate’.
Child Safety Assessment
Baleno scored a total of 34.81/49 in the Child Occupant Protection tests. This included dynamic testing with 3-year and 18-month-old dummies, and a perfect 12/12 score for Child Restraint System (CRS) installation.
Safety Features Included
Maruti has equipped the new Baleno with a robust suite of safety technologies:
- Dual (Delta AGS) or six (Zeta/Alpha) airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill-Hold Assist
- Reverse parking sensors & camera
- ISOFIX child-seat anchors
- Speed warning system
- Three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners & load limiters
- Seat belt reminders
- Engine immobilizer
While these features are available across all variants, the presence of six airbags in higher variants improved the adult score.
Comparison: Baleno vs Dzire
Maruti’s new Dzire sedan achieved a historic five-star rating in Bharat NCAP, becoming the first Maruti sedan to do so. It scored:
- 29.46/32 in AOP
- 41.57/49 in COP
| Model | AOP Score | COP Score | AOP Stars | COP Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baleno | 26.52 / 32 | 34.81 / 49 | 4★ | 3★ |
| Dzire | 29.46 / 32 | 41.57 / 49 | 5★ | 4★ |
While Baleno is excellent, Dzire edges ahead in total safety.
Maruti’s Focus on Safety
Maruti Suzuki is accelerating its safety efforts: balancing the Baleno with a four-star rating and elevating the Dzire to five stars. The company has already committed to introducing six airbags across all models by FY 2026, a leap toward matching rivals Tata and Mahindra.
Consumers on forums also praise the structural upgrades:
“the new gen is a massive improvement … body shell tougher and strengthened chassis”
From 0★ to 4★: Baleno’s Transformation
The previous model of the Baleno had poor safety performance, even scoring 0 stars in Latin NCAP’s two-airbag configuration. The current generation (“New Age Baleno”, WB2, launched Feb 2022) shows significant improvements in body structure, safety tech, and chassis strength.
Price & Competitors
The ex‑showroom price for Baleno starts at around ₹6.70 lakh, competing directly with models like the Toyota Glanza, Tata Altroz, and Hyundai i20. While Baleno remains a strong option, Dzire or Altroz could be better choices if maximum safety is your priority.
Conclusion
- Baleno: Offers four-star adult protection and three-star child safety—an excellent, feature-rich hatchback.
- Dzire: Full five-star rating—India’s safest sedan.
- ✔️ For balanced safety and value, Baleno is a solid pick.
- ✔️ For absolute safety, Dzire (or Altroz) is recommended.
