India-made Maruti Suzuki Baleno scores zero stars in Latin NCAP crash test
The tiny hatchback, built at Suzuki's Gujarat facility and delivered to overseas markets in Latin America, follows the Swift, which also achieved zero in the global watchdog's crash test earlier this year.
FollowThe made-in-India Suzuki Baleno received a poor zero-star rating in the Latin New Car Assessment Programme crash test. The tiny hatchback, built at Suzuki's Gujarat facility and delivered to overseas markets in Latin America, follows the Swift, which also achieved zero in the global watchdog's crash test earlier this year. Five stars signify the greatest score/rating, while zero stars indicate the lowest score during the vehicle crash test.
According to an Autocar India story that quoted Latin NCAP test data, the India-made Baleno was tested in frontal and side-impact, whiplash, and pedestrian protection. The automobile scored 20.03 per cent in the adult occupant box, 17.06 per cent in the kid occupant box, and a dismal 6.98 per cent in the safety assistance. The automobile performed best in the pedestrian protection area, where it received a score of 64.06 per cent. However, because the vehicle lacked active pedestrian protection measures, no points were awarded because no testing could be performed.
Also Read |Â Hyundai CRETA 2022 teaser out, to make its global debut in November | Watch
Furthermore, the vehicle evaluated by Latin NCAP featured just two front airbags, as the Baleno supplied in Latin American markets comes standard with two front airbags, ABS, seatbelt reminder, front pretensioners, and EBD. However, the absence of safety aid features such as electronic stability control (ESC), auto-emergency braking, lane assist system, and speed assist system lowered Suzuki Baleno's test score. According to the assessment, the vehicle's construction performed well in a frontal crash. At the same time, the side impact test revealed substantial intrusion in the door with insufficient protection to the adult door's chest during the trial.
Furthermore, the whiplash test revealed only moderate neck protection. The footwell region and bodyshell were both evaluated as stable, indicating that they can tolerate further loadings.
However, the second major cause for the one-star rating was the lack of protection in the event of a side hit. According to the crash test results, the driver and front passenger's chest protection was inadequate in the event of a side collision. However, head and pelvic protection were adequate for the side impact test. The European-spec Baleno comes equipped with six airbags and ESC.Â
Also Read |Â MG Motor hikes prices of its SUV models including Hector, Hector Plus, Gloster; Details inside
