Suzuki released its sedan for 8 thousand dollars: did it pass the tests

Maruti Suzuki introduced a budget sedan/Suzuki

India is one of the last bastions of cheap cars. Economy versions still prevail in the world's most populous country, and Skoda recently launched a crossover with ventilated seats worth $9,300.

The traditional sedan segment is also well covered and Maruti Suzuki has just launched the fourth generation Dzire (no, that's not a typo). It costs the equivalent of $8,000, about six times less than the average new car sold in the U.S., writes Motor1.

When automakers develop ultra-cheap cars, they have to go to compromises to reduce costs. Automakers typically skimp on safety, resulting in shockingly poor crash test results for cars typically sold in emerging markets.

For example, the Suzuki Baleno hatchback received zero stars in Latin NCAP crash tests in 2021. The smaller Swift hatch received just one star in the Global NCAP test a year later. Now Maruti Suzuki is proving that it doesn't have to be that way, as its new Dzire has received a full five-star rating.

Maruti Suzuki was confident that its diminutive sedan would pass the crash test as it voluntarily provided cars to Global NCAP for destruction. Even in the standard configuration, the Dzire has six airbags, ESP, Hill Start Assist and pedestrian protection.

See how the Suzuki Dzire was tested: video

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Of course, many of us will take these features for granted in 2024, but you can imagine the sacrifices you'll have to make for a car that costs less than $10,000. The cheapest car in America, the Nissan Versa, starts at $18,330, more than double the price of the base Dzire. Even in the highest configuration, the Dzire costs only about $12,000.

It's a family sedan that offers basic transportation without being a death trap, even by 2024 crash test standards. Its 1.2-liter naturally aspirated gas engine produces just 80 hp. and 83 lb-ft or even less – 69 hp. and 75 lb-ft if you choose the compressed natural gas (CNG) model. Power is sent to the front axle through a five-speed manual or automated gearbox with the same number of gears.

The Dzire measures just 157.2 inches long, 68.3 inches wide and 60 inches tall, with a 96.4-inch wheelbase and 14-inch steel wheels shod with 165/80 R14 tires for the base model. More luxurious versions get 15-inch alloy wheels. The lightest version weighs just 2,028 pounds. Trunk volume is 13.5 cubic feet, which isn't too bad considering the small size of the car.

More expensive trims get nice little things like a 360-degree camera, automatic climate control , rear air vents, wireless charger, dual-tone interior and even an electric sunroof.

Maruti Suzuki also adds LED headlights, a trunk lid spoiler and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 9-inch touchscreen supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so it's safe to say that this is more than just a car.

The Dzire has been a huge commercial success in India, garnering over 2.7 million sales since launched in March 2008. The latest version will also be offered in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the ASEAN region.