With stricter safety norms around the corner, Maruti has silently upgraded its big boys - the Ciaz and the Ertiga to be safer. The manufacturer claims the safer vehicles are already on sale.

Last year, both the Ciaz and the Ertiga scored a respectable four stars in the ASEAN NCAP. The score was courtesy safety tech such as dual airbags and anti-lock brakes, as well as passive features that include seatbelt reminders and adjustable headrests. Notably, the India-spec cars feature the same safety equipment.

Maruti hasn't been specific as to how the Ciaz and the Ertiga have been made safer. However, we've been told the structural rigidity of the cars have been upgraded. As per the standards set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways all new cars launched after October 1, 2017 have to comply with crash test norms. However, for vehicles that are already on sale, the deadline is October 2019. The tests include a full frontal, front-offset and side-impact crashes.