Published : 19 September 2025
Read Time : 5 min
Author: Nikil Jonathan
The Tata Altroz facelift has just scored a full 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP, while the Maruti Baleno, tested earlier this year, managed a 4-star rating even in its 6-airbag variants. Both cars compete directly in the market, but how do their safety credentials actually stack up? Let’s break it down.

Here’s how the 2025 Altroz compares against the 2025 Baleno in Bharat NCAP crash tests:
Note: The Maruti Baleno’s scores mentioned above are for the 6-airbag variants. Maruti Suzuki launched the Baleno with 6 airbags as standard in July 2025.
2025 Maruti Baleno Launched With 6 Airbags As Standard
Find out how the Baleno’s 2-airbag variants compare against the 6 airbag variants by clicking the link below:
Maruti Baleno 2-Airbag & 6-Airbag Tested By BNCAP; Both Score 4-star Crash Test Rating
The Altroz edges ahead in overall adult safety, scoring nearly full marks at 29.65 out of 32. It showed ‘good’ protection for most body regions, with only the tibias rated ‘adequate’.
The Baleno variant also performed well but trailed slightly, with 26.52 out of 32. While protection to the driver’s head and neck was rated ‘good’, the chest and pelvis recorded only ‘marginal’ scores in some tests.
This is where the Altroz really pulls clear. With 44.9 out of 49, it’s the highest-rated hatchback for child safety in India under Bharat NCAP. Both the 18-month-old and 3-year-old dummies received near-full protection thanks to ISOFIX anchors and well-integrated child restraint support.
The Baleno, by contrast, managed 34.81 out of 49. While side impact safety was rated full marks, the frontal test exposed weaknesses, particularly for the 3-year-old dummy, which scored poorly in head and chest protection.
The Altroz is built on Tata’s ALFA platform and has been rated with a stable bodyshell and footwell area, capable of withstanding further loadings.
Although the Baleno’s structure was not rated unstable, its overall lower score suggests slightly weaker crash energy absorption compared to the Altroz.
While both hatchbacks offer strong safety credentials compared to their predecessors, the Altroz emerges as the segment benchmark. Its 5-star AOP and COP scores place it ahead of the Baleno.
For buyers prioritising safety above all else, the Tata Altroz currently stands as the safest premium hatchback in India. The Baleno, meanwhile, still offers a solid package with efficient engine options, but its 4-star rating leave it a step behind the Altroz.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Not Offering ADAS With Victoris Strong Hybrid
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Content Writer
Nikil's a huge fan of classic cars, especially Italian beauties such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint and the Iso Grifo. His love for cars and bikes originated when he first laid his eyes on a poster of the Ferrari F40 and the MV Agusta F4 when he was just a child. He also loves all things analogue, especially vintage cameras and turntables.

























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