The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has scored a 4-star safety rating in a recent crash test conducted by India’s New Car Assessment Programme – Bharat NCAP. In Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) test the Baleno scored 26.52 out of 32, thus receiving a 4-star rating. However, the Child Occupant Protection (COP) test score stood at 34.81 out of 49, which only amounts to an acceptable 3-star rating.
Now, this is certainly a big deal for Maruti Suzuki India which has previously received zero-star ratings both from the Global NCAP as well as the Latin NCAP for India-made Baleno. However, it’s important to note that the model tested by Bharat NCAP was the top-spec unit with 6 airbags. And Maruti Suzuki India also offers lower variants that get just two front airbags. This means that the ratings only apply to the Zeta and Alpha variants of the Baleno which come with 6 airbags.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Achieves 3 Lakh Sales Milestone
As for the safety features on offer, the car tested by Bharat NCAP came with two front airbags, two curtain airbags and two side airbags. The Baleno also offered seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters, while the outward seats of the second row came with ISOFIX child seat mounts as well. Some standard safety techs include – electronic stability control (ESC) and seatbelt reminders for all 5 occupants.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Swift, Wagon R, Brezza Offered With Benefits Up To Rs 90,000
The tests conducted by Bharat NCAP include the frontal offset deformable barrier test and the side movable deformable barrier test. As per the reports from the first test, the protection levels for the driver and co-driver’s head and neck areas were rated good. While protection for the driver’s chest and thighs was marginal, the same for the legs was adequate. As for the co-driver, the remaining body parts received adequate protection. Results from the side impact tests were also positive.
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is offered in four variants – Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha. The car is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, and while the base trim only gets a manual gearbox, the other three come with the option of both manual and AMT units. Prices start from Rs. 6.70 lakh, going up to Rs. 9.92 lakh (ex-showroom). The Delta and Zeta trims also get the option for a factory-fitted CNG kit.
