Breaking: Maruti Celerio gets zero-star rating in Global NCAP crash test

The Global NCAP (Global New Car Assessment Programme) has just released the crash test results of five Indian car models. Shockingly, all of them have received a zero-star rating. One of the models that were tested was the Maruti Celerio.

In the official release, Global NCAP stated that "the non-airbag Maruti Celerio scored zero star in adult occupation protection and one star in child occupant protection." It attributed the zero-star adult protection rating to the lack of airbags. It stated that the one-star rating in child occupant protection was due to the high values recorded in the child dummy and its forward movement was much beyond the accepted limits.

Global NCAP also stated that "the passengers' knees could impact with dangerous structures in the dashboard. The body shell is rated as unstable and cannot withstand further loadings."

In an official release, David Ward, secretary general of Global NCAP, has commented,"The latest SaferCarsforIndia results show how important it is for cars to have a body shell that can remain stable in a crash. This is an absolutely crucial pre-requisite for occupant safety together with fitment at least of front air bags. It is very surprising that a manufacturer like Renault introduced the Kwid initially lacking this essential feature. Global NCAP strongly believes that no manufacturer anywhere in the world should be developing new models that are so clearly sub-standard. Car makers must ensure that their new models pass the UN's minimum crash test regulations, and support use of an airbag."

Ward attended the Indian Automobile Safety Conference hosted by IRTE in Faridabad, during which he said, "The results highlight the importance of the Indian Government's decision to mandate front and side impact crash tests from October 2017. Legislative action is needed to ensure that the minimum levels of occupant protection recommended by the United Nations are guaranteed for Indian consumers. But manufacturers don't have to wait for legislation, and we urge them to act to eliminate all zero-star cars from production as soon as possible. Global NCAP also welcomes the forthcoming launch of a Bharat New Car Assessment Programme which can help build a market for safer cars in India."

The Global NCAP is a global automobile safety guardian that conducts independent research and testing programmes to assess the environmental characteristics of motor vehicles and releases their results to the public.

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