Maruti Suzuki e Vitara gets 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating

The crash-test vehicle weighed 2,082kg. (Image - Bharat NCAP)

The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara has secured a 5-star safety rating at Bharat NCAP, achieving one of the highest scores recorded in the programme. The e Vitara is the maiden battery electric vehicle (BEV) of the country's largest passenger vehicle (PV) manufacturer.

Apart from e Vitara, Maruti Suzuki vehicles like the Invicto MPV, Victoris SUV and Dzire sedan have also scored a 5-star safety rating at Bharat NCAP.

The e Vitara electric SUV, tested in its Alpha 61kWh variant, scored 31.49 out of 32 points in adult occupant protection (AOP), and 43 out of 49 points in child occupant protection (COP).

According to the crash test report, the e Vitara underwent a full set of evaluations, including the frontal offset deformable barrier test and the side movable deformable barrier test. It scored 15.49/16 in the frontal offset assessment and 16/16 in the side-impact test, with both side-pole impact tests marked as 'OK'.

The electric SUV is equipped with a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including dual front airbags, side head curtain airbags, belt pretensioners, load limiters and a knee airbag for the driver. Also, electronic stability control (ESC), pedestrian protection systems and seatbelt reminders for all seats are standard across all variants.

For child safety, the e Vitara earned the maximum 24/24 dynamic score, supported by i-Size-compliant child restraint systems tested for both 18-month-old and 3-year-old dummies. Both seats recorded full scores in frontal and side dynamic tests. The model also achieved 12/12 for CRS installation and 7/13 in vehicle assessment, leading to its overall COP score of 43/49. ISOFIX mounts are available as standard on the second-row outboard seats.

The crash-test vehicle weighed 2,082kg and was manufactured in India. The rating applies to the e Vitara's 49 kWh (Delta, Zeta) and 61kWh (Alpha) variants. All safety assist technologies -- ESC, curtain airbags, pedestrian protection and seatbelt reminders -- are offered as standard equipment across the range.

The e Vitara is built on the new HEARTECT-e platform designed exclusively for EVs. It features a long 2,700mm wheelbase, a flat floor and a 5.2-metre turning radius, offering improved cabin space and manoeuvrability. The electric SUV gets two battery options -- 49kWh and 61kWh -- with the larger pack delivering more than 500km on a single charge, as per in-house testing. The battery pack uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry and an advanced Cell-to-Pack layout.

The e Vitara is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). The 49kWh variant produces 105.8kW, while the 61kWh version develops 128kW and 192.5Nm of torque. A single-speed electric drive transmission is standard. The EV supports Eco, Normal and Sports drive modes, along with a snow mode and regenerative braking for one-pedal driving. Thermal management allows operation between -30°C and 60°C.

On the outside, the model features a bold SUV stance with polyhedral styling, 18-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels, roof spoilers and next-generation LED lighting elements. The cabin is equipped with a digital cockpit that includes a 10.1-inch infotainment display and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Premium features include ventilated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, sliding and reclining rear seats, and an Infinity by Harman audio system. The e Vitara also gets Level 2 ADAS and all-disc brakes. The model also offers next-gen Suzuki Connect with over 60 connected-car features.

We expect the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara price in India to start around Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom). It will rival the likes of the Mahindra BE 6, Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Curvv.ev, MG ZS EV and VinFast VF6.