Maruti Suzuki Scores A Big Fat Zero In Latest Global NCAP Crash Tests

• Maruti Suzuki’s S-Presso is one of the carmaker’s most affordable cars.

• It is priced from Rs 3.77-Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

• It scored zero stars in the Global NCAP’s latest crash test.

Maruti Suzuki has long been a staple household name when it comes to reliable and affordable cars. People swear by the brand thanks to its well-established after-sales service network and cheap spare parts. However, things might take a turn for the worse after the latest Global NCAP crash tests in which Maruti Suzuki has scored a big fat ZERO. 

The tests were carried out as part of the new round of Global NCAP’s (New Car Assessment Program) #SaferCarsForIndia campaign. The Maruti put to the test was the S-Presso, which was fitted with a single driver airbag as standard. The test resulted in zero stars for adult occupant protection (AOP) and two stars for child occupant protection (COP). The crash test was conducted at a speed of 64 kmph, as per the standard norms of Global NCAP.

David Ward, the President of the Towards Zero Foundation, didn’t hold back when speaking on the test results. He said, “We’ve seen important car safety progress in India with new government legislation and manufacturers like Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors accepting Global NCAP's five-star challenge. There is no place for zero star cars and it’s a great disappointment that Maruti Suzuki doesn’t recognise this.”

Aside from the head area, all the critical areas like the neck and chest had less than ideal protection for adults in the driver and passenger seats. As far as child protection is concerned, the S-Presso provided poor protection to both the 18-month-old and the three-year-old crash test dummies. The results aren’t really surprising considering the S-Presso does not offer ISOFIX anchorages and three-point seatbelts in all the seating positions.

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This comes as shocking news, especially for people who swear by the carmaker. The appeal of the brand lies in its affordability and practicality, but sensible people would be willing to shell out more than the S-Presso’s price, which goes from Rs 3.77 lakh to Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom), especially when it is a question of road safety. Alternatives like the Tata Tiago, which is priced from Rs 4.7 lakh to Rs 6.74 lakh (ex-showroom), boast a four-star Global NCAP rating. The Tiago scores even better than the Kia Seltos, which was also tested alongside the S-Presso.

Maruti Suzuki has put out a statement on the result of this crash test. It says, "Safety is a critical issue and is therefore closely regulated by governments around the world as they are responsible for the safety of the people in their countries. It cannot be left to the opinion of any self proclaimed party. The Government of India has recently increased the stringency of car crash test standards and made them identical to European standards. All products of the company are fully compliant with these global standards and duly tested and certified by the Government of India. "