How Does The 4 Star BNCAP 2025 Baleno Fare Against The Competition?

Building on the success Maruti just gained with the 2025 Dzire’s crash tests, the Baleno further emboldens Maruti’s safety stance by earning a 4 star safety rating in the GNCAP safety tests. It earns a 4 star rating in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), and a 3 star in Child Occupant Protection (COP), with scores of 26.52/ 32 and 34.81/ 49, respectively. However, others in Baleno’s class are not lightweights. Despite the celebratory score the Baleno has earned, let’s see how it fares now in the class.
 

Baleno VS Baleno

BNCAP tested 2 variants of the Baleno, a 2 airbag version and a 6 airbag one. While both versions earned the same stars, 4 star AOP and 3 star COP, their scores were different. COP scores were the same, but while the 6 airbag version earned 26.52/32, the 2 airbag version only earned 24.04/32. 
The difference in score comes down to the side/curtain airbags. The Side Movable Deformable Barrier (SMDB) test is where we see the difference. While the 6 airbag one scored 14.99/16, the 2 airbag version scored 12.5/16. 

In the side movable deformable barrier test, the protection offered to the driver's head and abdomen was rated 'adequate' in the 2-airbag variant, whereas it was rated 'good' in the 6-airbag variant. Crucially, protection to the driver's chest region was reported as 'weak' in the 2-airbag variant, which improved to 'adequate' in the 6-airbag variant. The protection to the pelvis remained 'good' for both.

Why is this special?

The perception the common Indian Buyer had for Maruti was “Low on Fuel Cost, but Low on Safety and Features”. While Maruti’s domestic image has been improving, nothing could have made a dent like this. Two back to back incredible ratings for 2 of the most popular and mass-produced cars. Maruti is proving to everyone that they are indeed serious about safety. Sales are expected to rise by 2% at max. 

The previous generation Baleno received a concerning 0-star rating in Latin NCAP. This is much more concerning when you consider that this rating was under different, less stringent protocols than current BNCAP/GNCAP. The new 4-star AOP is a substantial improvement, showcasing Maruti Suzuki's commitment to enhancing safety in their core models.

Furthermore, the Baleno is the maiden hatchback to be tested by BNCAP. This sets a benchmark for the highly competitive premium hatchback segment.

How Does The Baleno’s Safety Scores Compare To The Competition

Other Hatchbacks In Its Class

The Tata Altroz is its biggest competitor. Its GNCAP ratings are a 5-star rating for AOP and 4-star rating for  COP. However, those are under the previous, less strict protocols. While the Altroz was impressive for its time, the Baleno's 4 star AOP under the more stringent BNCAP protocol is a strong showing. The current Altroz can potentially rival the 2025 Baleno closely. 

The Hyundai i20 received a 3 star rating for AOP and 3-star rating for COP in GNCAP. The Baleno's 4-star AOP clearly surpasses the i20's performance. The COP rating is similar. This makes the Baleno superior.

Finally, the latest generation of the Maruti Suzuki Swift received a 1 star rating for AOP and 1 star COP rating in GNCAP's new, demanding protocols. This makes the Baleno's 4-star AOP and 3-star COP significantly better than its sibling, the Swift.

Other Cars In The Class Despite The Body Type

Other cars within similar budgets, like the Tata Nexon, Mahindra 3XO, Tata Punch etc., all score better than the Baleno, while the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger etc., score worse. The Baleno is not definitely not bad, however, it is not excellent either. Some close competitors have done better. So has its own sibling, the Dzire. 

At the pace Maruti is improving its safety, we are sure they are not satisfied with the results of this test, and the next version of the Baleno might end up being bulletproof.