Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a popular hatchback among the people in India. It takes on competition such as the Tata Altroz & Hyundai i20. While the Altroz scored 5 stars in the Global NCAP test and the 2018 i20 scored 3 stars, the Baleno has scored zero in the Latin NCAP test.
Note It is to note that, the Suzuki Baleno crash tested here is Made In India, but is not the same model that is sold in India.
This car is made in the Gujarat plant and even exported to other countries. It has dual airbags and achieved 20.03% in adult occupancy, 17.06% in child occupancy & 64.09% in the case of pedestrians, along with 6.98% as the safety box.
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Baleno was tested for side and front impact tests. A lack of UN32 explains a low whiplash score for the rear impact test. The overall results illustrate poor side impact protection and no ESC and Suzuki’s choice to not recommend CRS(child restrain systems) for the test.
Alejandro Furas, Secretary-General, Latin NCAP, stated: “Baleno’s zero-star is part of an ongoing disappointment, after the Swift’s zero-star rating some weeks ago. With specially poor safety performance in adult and child occupant protection on offer from Suzuki as standard to Latin American consumers.”
Also Read: 2022 Baleno Facelift| What We Know So Far
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In Europe, the Baleno is offered with six airbags & ESC as standard safety features. In contrast, the Latin American version gets none of that, only dual airbags. Suzuki also refused to reveal the optional equipment, which questions their performance.
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The Toyota Yaris also scored a single star in the Latin NCAP test. It is produced in Brazil & Thailand and comes with dual airbags & ESC but still is not safe enough. Alejandro Furas further added:
“Even more surprising and disappointing is Toyota’s first-ever one-star model, the Yaris. It is concerning that a decision made by Toyota Mexico is the main reason for this result but moreover the responsible of the decision of not offering now, as standard key safety equipment.”
Also Read: 2020 i20 Vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno Vs Tata Altroz| Comparison
Maruti Suzuki is known for making affordable,fuel-efficient & unsafe cars in India. Things have started to change, and people are now considering safety as an important aspect too. The only safe vehicles from Maruti Suzuki would be the Vitara Brezza & Ciaz, scoring four stars & the S-cross scored five stars in the Euro NCAP test. Stephan Brodziak, Latin NCAP Chairman, stated:
“We make an energetic call for both Suzuki and Toyota to be committed to the safety of the consumers in Latin America and the Caribbean, we do not want more zero and one stars cars circulating in our countries.”
