Global NCAP has released the latest crash test results for the Maruti Suzuki Celerio, evaluating both the 2-airbag (2AB) and 6-airbag (6AB) variants. The hatchback, which is made in India and sold in the domestic market, was assessed under Global NCAP’s updated testing protocols for adult and child occupant protection.
Adult Occupant Protection
In Global NCAP testing, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio (6AB) scored 3 stars for Adult Occupant Protection, with a total score of 18.04 points out of a possible 34. The results indicate adequate protection for the head and neck of both driver and front passenger in a frontal impact. However, chest protection for the driver was rated weak, while knee protection was marginal due to potential contact with hard structures behind the dashboard.
Despite the availability of six airbags, the bodyshell was rated unstable, meaning it is not capable of withstanding further load beyond the tested limits. This played a key role in limiting the overall adult safety rating, even for the higher-spec variant.
Child Occupant Protection
For Child Occupant Protection, the Celerio 6AB scored 18.57 points out of 49, resulting in a 2-star rating. Global NCAP noted poor protection in frontal impacts for both the 18-month-old and 3-year-old child dummies when child seats were installed using adult seatbelts. The absence of ISOFIX anchorages and limited child restraint compatibility impacted the score. Side impact protection for child occupants showed mixed results, with acceptable protection for the younger dummy but head containment issues for the older child.
Six Airbags Help, But Structural Limits Remain
While the 6-airbag variant does offer improved side impact protection compared to the 2-airbag version, Global NCAP’s findings suggest that airbags alone are not enough to significantly raise the safety rating without corresponding structural improvements. The unstable bodyshell and limited crash energy management remain the key constraints.
The tested model was manufactured in India and the rating applies to vehicles sold in the Indian market, reaffirming that safety performance depends not just on equipment levels but also on underlying vehicle architecture. Overall, the Global NCAP results underline that while adding airbags improves safety, future gains will require stronger body structures, better child restraint systems, and wider adoption of advanced safety features in entry-level hatchbacks like the Celerio.
