The Maruti Suzuki Swift along with the S-Presso, and Ignis scored a single-star rating in the latest round of Global NCAP crash tests. These cars underwent tests according to the same updated protocols where the Mahindra Scorpio N attained a 5-star crash test rating.
Maruti Suzuki Swift scored 19.19 out of 34 points in adult occupation protection while scoring 16.68 out of 49 points in child occupation protection. The model tested was equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, seat-belt reminder systems, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, as well as seat-belt pre-tensioners with load limiters. The body shell of Maruti Suzuki Swift, which does not receive ESC as a standard feature, was rated as unstable.
Related: India to Introduce Bharat NCAP Safety Rating System
On the other hand, the Ignis scored 16.48 out of a total of 34 points whereas in terms of child occupant, the hatchback scored 3.86 points out of a possible 49 points. In the frontal impact, the driver’s chest showed weak protection while the protection to the front passenger was adequate. Driver’s and passenger’s knees showed marginal protection while the foot-well area was rated stable. The body-shell was rated as unstable and incapable of bearing further loading.
The S-Presso scored 20.03 out of 34 points in adult occupation protection thus resulting in a one-star rating. In terms of child occupation protection, the model scored 3.53 out of 49 points, thus resulting in a zero-star rating. Safety features on the model include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, seat-belt pre-tensioners and load-limiters, and a seat-belt reminder system. The body-shell of the model was also rated unstable.
Related: Tata Nexon becomes the first Indian car to score 5 stars from Global NCAP
According to Global NCAP, none of the three Maruti Suzuki models including the Swift, S-Presso, and Ignis provided ESC or side curtain airbags as standard or as optional equipment. Speaking on the development, David Ward, Executive President of the Towards Zero Foundation, said:
“It is again disappointing that Maruti Suzuki has failed to match the safety progress being made by their competitors. At least now the Indian government regulations are forcing the company to apply minimum safety standards. But surely they should care enough about their customers to do much better than that.”
Meanwhile, Saul Billingsley, the Executive Director of FIA Foundation, said:
“The failure of all three tested Maruti Suzuki models to achieve a safe rating showcases a disregard for the safety of Indian drivers, passengers, and road users alike. The ‘Safer Cars For India’ campaign has shown how quickly manufacturers can adapt to meet Global NCAP’s safety standards and it is time for Maruti Suzuki to learn from other regional manufacturers like Mahindra.”
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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