Maruti Ciaz scores modest Global NCAP safety rating as segment rivals move ahead
Road safety watchdog Global NCAP has published the latest crash test results for the India-spec Maruti Ciaz, awarding the midsize sedan a 1-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 3-star rating for child occupant protection.
The tested Ciaz is equipped with two airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), ISOFIX child seat anchors and seat belt reminders as standard. Despite these inclusions, its overall performance reflects limitations linked to its ageing platform and safety architecture.
Adult Occupant Protection
The sedan scored 20.86 points out of a possible 34 for adult occupant protection. In the frontal offset deformable barrier test, it earned 7.36/16 points. Protection for the driver’s head was rated good, while the chest and thighs received marginal protection. Protection for the driver’s feet was assessed as poor. The front passenger’s protection ranged from good to adequate.
In the side movable deformable barrier test, the Ciaz scored 12.49/16 points, although protection for the driver’s chest was rated weak. Global NCAP did not conduct the side pole impact test, citing the absence of curtain airbags. The bodyshell and footwell area were both rated as unstable and not capable of handling higher crash loads.
Child Occupant Protection
For child safety, the Ciaz achieved 28.57 points out of 49, translating to a 3-star rating. The car performed strongly in dynamic testing, scoring a full 24/24 points, with both the 18-month-old and 3-year-old child dummies showing good protection in frontal and side impact tests.
However, the overall score was pulled down by lower marks in child restraint system (CRS) installation and vehicle assessment. The sedan scored 4.57/12 for CRS installation and 0/13 in vehicle assessment. Key shortcomings include the absence of three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, failure of the CRS installation for the rear centre seat and no provision to disable the front passenger airbag when using a rearward-facing child seat.
Position in the segment
The Maruti Ciaz was discontinued recently and in comparison, its rivals on sale such as the Hyundai Verna, Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus have all secured 5-star Global NCAP ratings for both adult and child occupant protection, highlighting the gap between the Ciaz and newer-generation sedans.
