The latest Global NCAP crash tests have awarded the Maruti Suzuki Celerio a 3-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 2-star rating for child occupant protection. The hatchback scored 18.04 points out of 34 for adults and 18.57 points out of 49 for children. Global NCAP tested the updated version of the Celerio, which now comes with six airbags and ESC as standard. The results show improvement over earlier two-airbag tests but still highlight areas where safety performance remains limited.
Adult Occupant Protection: Mixed Performance Across Tests
In the frontal offset crash test, the Celerio offered good protection for the head and neck of both front occupants. Driver chest protection was rated weak, while the front passenger’s chest protection was adequate. Knee protection was marked as marginal because of possible contact with structures behind the dashboard. Global NCAP rated both the bodyshell and footwell as unstable, which means they are not capable of withstanding higher loads in more severe crashes. In side impact tests, head and chest protection was rated marginal, abdomen protection was adequate, and pelvis protection was good. In the side pole test, head and pelvis protection were rated good, while chest and abdomen protection were marginal.
Child Occupant Protection Brings Down Overall Score
Child occupant protection proved to be the limiting factor in the Celerio’s overall rating. In frontal tests, the forward-facing child seat for the 3-year-old dummy allowed head exposure, with poor neck and chest protection. The rearward-facing seat for the 18-month-old also showed head exposure and weak chest protection. In side impact testing, the 18-month-old dummy received full protection, but the 3-year-old dummy’s head was not fully contained. The Celerio provides ISOFIX mounts on the rear outboard seats and three-point seatbelts for all positions. However, Global NCAP noted limitations in the range of approved child seat positions, including the lack of recommended CRS use for some seating locations, which affected the overall child occupant score.
Safety Equipment Gains, Structural Concerns Remain
The tested Celerio was equipped with six airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD, seatbelt pretensioners, load limiters, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child-seat mounts. It also meets pedestrian protection regulations under UN 127 norms. These additions helped lift its adult safety rating compared to older versions. However, Global NCAP noted that the unstable bodyshell, marginal protection in some impact areas, and repeated child head exposure prevented higher scores. The results underline how added safety features can improve outcomes, but structural integrity and child protection remain critical for achieving stronger crash test ratings.
