Baleno 2AB/6AB & Dzire Secure Top Bharat NCAP Ratings in June 2025—Safety Milestones Explained
Maruti Suzuki Dzire gets 5 star rating in Bharat NCAP crash test in June 2025

The Indian automotive landscape is witnessing a safety revolution, and at the heart of it are Maruti Suzuki’s Baleno and Dzire models. In June 2025, both vehicles made headlines as the Baleno (both 2AB and 6AB variants) and the all-new Dzire underwent rigorous testing under the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP), setting new benchmarks for mainstream car safety in India.

Why Bharat NCAP Matters

Bharat NCAP is India’s indigenous car safety assessment program, modeled after the globally recognized Global NCAP. It evaluates vehicles based on real-world crash scenarios, providing a star rating for adult and child occupant protection. The goal is clear: to raise safety awareness among Indian consumers and push manufacturers to adopt world-class safety standards.

Maruti Suzuki’s Safety Push

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, has long been criticized for lagging behind rivals in safety. However, the company is now setting new standards by equipping its vehicles with advanced safety features, including six airbags and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) across most models.

The Ratings

  • Maruti Suzuki Dzire: The all-new Dzire made history by becoming India’s first sedan to secure a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. This marks a significant milestone, as it’s also the first Maruti vehicle to achieve this top rating.
  • Maruti Suzuki Baleno: The Baleno, tested in both 2 Airbag (2AB) and 6 Airbag (6AB) configurations, received an impressive 4-star rating. While not the top score, it’s a strong result for a mainstream hatchback and reflects Maruti’s commitment to safety.

When & Where: June 2025, New Delhi

On June 11, 2025, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari presented the 5-star certificate to Maruti Suzuki in New Delhi. The event highlighted the company’s safety initiatives and its plans to make six airbags standard across its entire lineup by the end of 2025.

Safety as a Priority

Indian consumers are increasingly prioritizing safety when buying cars. The government’s push for higher safety standards, coupled with Bharat NCAP’s transparent testing, has encouraged manufacturers to up their game. Maruti Suzuki’s decision to equip 10 models—including the Baleno and Dzire—with six airbags as standard is a direct response to this trend.

The Safety Features

Both the Baleno and Dzire are built on Suzuki’s fifth-generation HEARTECT platform, known for its robust build and crashworthiness. Key safety features include:

  • Six Airbags: Now standard in many Maruti models, including the Dzire and Baleno 6AB variant.
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Helps prevent skidding and loss of control, especially in emergency maneuvers.
  • Hill Hold Assist: Prevents rollback on inclines, enhancing safety in hilly areas.
  • 360-degree HD Camera: Provides a bird’s-eye view for safer parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
  • ABS with EBD: Ensures optimal braking performance under various conditions.

Baleno 2AB vs. 6AB: What’s the Difference?

The Baleno was tested in two configurations:

  • 2AB (2 Airbags): The base variant, which still performed well but was not tested for Bharat NCAP rating as per recent reports; however, the focus is now on the 6AB variant.

MARUTI-BALENO-GASOLINE (2 AB) - BNCAP Ratings

  • 6AB (6 Airbags): Equipped with six airbags and additional safety features, this variant secured the 4-star Bharat NCAP rating. It’s a clear indicator that more airbags contribute to better safety outcomes.
    MARUTI-BALENO-GASOLINE (6 AB) - BNCAP Ratings


“It gives me immense pride to see Made-in-India high-volume mainstream cars achieve exemplary safety ratings under the Bharat New Car Assessment Program,” said Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways.

The Road Ahead: Maruti’s Safety Commitment

Maruti Suzuki is not stopping here. The company has announced that all its passenger vehicles will be equipped with six airbags as standard by the end of 2025. Currently, 10 models—Alto K10, Celerio, WagonR, Eeco, Swift, Dzire, Brezza, Grand Vitara, Jimny, and Invicto—already come with six airbags as standard. ESP is available across all 18 models, setting a new industry benchmark.

How This Impacts Car Buyers

For Indian consumers, the Bharat NCAP ratings provide a clear, transparent measure of a car’s safety. The top ratings for the Dzire and strong performance by the Baleno mean buyers can trust these models to protect their families. With safety now a key differentiator, Maruti Suzuki is positioning itself as a leader in affordable, safe mobility.

Final Thoughts

The June 2025 Bharat NCAP ratings for the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Dzire mark a turning point for India’s automotive industry. As safety becomes a non-negotiable feature for car buyers, manufacturers are stepping up to meet the challenge. Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to six airbags and advanced safety tech across its lineup is a welcome change, ensuring that Indian roads become safer for everyone.

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