Maruti Suzuki Celerio Global NCAP: The Maruti Suzuki Celerio, one of India’s most popular entry-level hatchbacks, has been evaluated under the latest Global NCAP crash test protocols, earning a 3-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 2-star rating for child occupant protection. The results reflect noticeable safety improvements over earlier versions, while also highlighting structural and child-safety limitations that prevent higher ratings.
The tested model represents the latest safety-updated version of the Celerio, featuring six airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard—a major step forward for the brand in the budget hatchback segment.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio Global NCAP Safety Scores Explained
The Celerio’s crash test performance was measured across adult and child protection categories, with mixed results.
Crash test scores:
Also Read
- Adult Occupant Protection (AOP):
- 18.04 points out of 34
- 3-star rating
- Child Occupant Protection (COP):
- 18.57 points out of 49
- 2-star rating
While the adult safety score shows improvement compared to older versions, child occupant protection remains a key concern.
Adult Occupant Protection: Key Findings
The Global NCAP frontal and side impact tests revealed varying levels of protection for front-seat occupants.
Frontal crash test results:
- Head protection:
- Adequate for the driver
- Good for the front passenger
- Neck protection:
- Rated good for both occupants
- Chest protection:
- Weak for the driver
- Adequate for the passenger
- Knee protection:
- Marginal due to possible contact with dashboard structures
A critical limitation remains the unstable bodyshell and footwell, which were rated incapable of withstanding higher crash loads—restricting the car’s overall safety potential.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio Side Impact Performance
In side crash evaluations, the Celerio delivered average results.
Side impact test highlights:
- Head and chest protection: Marginal
- Abdomen protection: Adequate
- Pelvis protection: Good
During the side pole impact test, head and pelvis protection were rated good, while chest and abdomen protection remained marginal. ESC performance met Global NCAP’s minimum requirements.
Child Occupant Protection: Where the Celerio Falls Short
Child safety scores were notably lower due to shortcomings in child restraint performance.
Key child safety observations:
- 3-year-old (forward-facing seat):
- Head exposure recorded
- Poor neck and chest protection
- 18-month-old (rearward-facing seat):
- Head exposure observed
- Chest protection rated poor
In side impact testing:
- The 18-month-old dummy received full protection
- The 3-year-old dummy’s seat failed to adequately contain head movement
Additional limitations include:
- Front passenger airbag cannot be switched off
- Child seats approved only for rear positions
- No approval for front or rear centre child seating
Maruti Suzuki Celerio Standard Safety Features on the Tested Celerio
Despite its limitations, the Celerio offers a comprehensive safety package for its segment.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Six airbags (front, side, and curtain)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- ABS with EBD
- Three-point seatbelts for all seats with reminders
- Seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters for front seats
- ISOFIX child seat mounts on rear outboard seats
- Rear parking sensors
- Pedestrian protection compliance (UN R127)
- Hill Hold Assist (AMT variants)
These additions played a major role in improving the car’s adult safety rating compared to older two-airbag versions.
Comparison With Older Celerio Safety Ratings
Global NCAP also evaluated the earlier two-airbag version of the Celerio.
Earlier vs updated model:
- Older version:
- 2 stars for adult protection
- 1 star for child protection
- Updated version:
- 3 stars for adults
- 2 stars for children
The improvement clearly shows the impact of six airbags and ESC, though structural upgrades remain necessary.
Global NCAP’s Assessment and Recommendations
Global NCAP acknowledged Maruti Suzuki’s efforts to enhance safety equipment across its lineup. However, the organisation emphasised that airbags alone cannot compensate for weak structural integrity or child restraint shortcomings.
To achieve higher ratings, Global NCAP recommends:
- Stronger bodyshell and footwell structure
- Improved child restraint compatibility
- Better head containment for child seats
Final Thoughts
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio’s 3-star Global NCAP rating represents progress, but also underscores the gap between added safety features and fundamental crash structure strength. For buyers prioritising affordability and fuel efficiency, the Celerio remains appealing, but those seeking top-tier safety may want to consider alternatives with stronger crash performance.
