The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, once a popular choice for Indian families seeking spacious sedans, has received disappointing crash test results from Global NCAP. Despite being discontinued from showrooms months ago, the India-made Ciaz earned just a 1-star rating for Adult Occupant Protection and 3-stars for Child Occupant Protection under NCAP's 2025 protocols. With thousands still on roads and thriving in the used market, these findings raise critical safety questions for current owners and buyers.
Tested at 1,260 kg, the Ciaz scored 20.86/34 for adults and 28.57/49 for children, highlighting structural weaknesses despite some positive notes.
Global NCAP Scores: Ciaz Performance Breakdown
|
Category |
Score |
Rating |
Key Issues |
|
Adult Occupant Protection |
20.86/34 |
1-Star |
Unstable bodyshell, weak chest protection |
|
Child Occupant Protection |
28.57/49 |
3-Star |
Missing front ISOFIX, no airbag cut-off |
|
Test Weight |
1,260 kg |
N/A |
India-spec model |
|
ESC |
Standard |
Meets criteria |
Positive note |
Frontal Offset Crash: Marginal Protection
In the frontal offset deformable barrier test (64 km/h), the Ciaz offered mixed results:
Driver Protection:
- Head/Neck: Good
- Chest: Marginal (unstable steering wheel contact)
- Knees: Marginal (dashboard intrusion risk)
Passenger Protection:
- Head/Neck: Good
- Chest: Adequate
- Knees: Better than driver
Critical Flaw: Bodyshell and footwell unstable, failing to maintain integrity – a major factor in the 1-star adult rating.
Side Impact: Weak Chest Protection
The side barrier test (50 km/h) showed:
Positive Aspects:
- Head: Good protection
- Pelvis: Good protection
- Abdomen: Adequate
Major Concern:
- Chest: Weak for driver – no side/curtain airbags contributed heavily.
No side pole test conducted due to missing side head protection, further limiting scores.
Child Safety: Better But Incomplete
The Ciaz performed reasonably for children but fell short of excellence:
Dynamic Tests:
- 18-month-old (rearward-facing ISOFIX): Full protection, no head contact
- 3-year-old: Good frontal/side impact performance
Key Shortcomings:
- No front passenger ISOFIX
- Missing airbag cut-off switch
- Rear centre seat: Restraint installation failed
These gaps dropped child protection from potential 4-stars to 3-stars.
Standard Safety Features (and Gaps)
Positives:
- ESC standard – Meets Global NCAP criteria
- Front seatbelt reminders included
Missing Elements:
- No side/curtain airbags
- No advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
- Limited child restraint compatibility
Why This Matters for Indian Buyers
Though discontinued, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz remains prevalent:
Used Market Impact:
- High resale volumes continue
- Fleet/taxi usage widespread
- Family second-hand favourite
Buyer Takeaways:
- Current owners: Consider safety upgrades (seat covers, child seats)
- Prospective buyers: Prioritise 4/5-star alternatives
- Market signal: Sedans need safety focus
Ciaz vs Segment Rivals (NCAP Ratings)
|
Model |
Adult Stars |
Child Stars |
Key Strength |
|
Maruti Ciaz |
1 |
3 |
Spacious boot |
|
Honda City |
5 |
4 |
Airbag coverage |
|
Hyundai Verna |
3 |
3 |
ESC standard |
|
Skoda Slavia |
5 |
5 |
Stable structure |
|
VW Virtus |
5 |
5 |
ADAS features |
Global NCAP's Verdict
"Unstable bodyshell and weak chest protection limit the Ciaz to 1-star adult safety," NCAP noted. While child scores show improvement potential, the absence of side airbags and ADAS underscores outdated engineering.
For families researching "Maruti Ciaz Global NCAP rating" or "Ciaz crash test results", this serves as a wake-up call. Prioritise vehicles with 4/5-star ratings, comprehensive airbags, and modern safety tech.
