Maruti Suzuki S-Presso that was launched last year has failed to attain a single star in latest round of Global NCAP crash tests. The test was conducted on three Indian made cars in controlled environment with Hyundai Grand i10 achieving 2 stars and Kia Seltos getting 3.
With a zero-star rating, the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso failed to impress when tested for adult occupant protection, primarily because it only gets a driver airbag as standard. Global NCAP gives key value to airbags & safety equipment for occupants while the dummies placed inside the S-Presso were found receiving significant impact to the neck and chest areas. According to the test report:
“Driver’s chest showed poor protection and passenger’s chest showed weak protection. Driver’s knees showed marginal protection as they could impact with dangerous structures behind the dashboard supported by the Tranfascia tube while passenger’s knees showed good protection.”
The body shell of the vehicle and its footwall area was also deemed unstable. The test results further noted that front seatbelts do not have pretensioners and the rear middle occupant does not get a three-point seatbelt. Furthermore there are no ISOFIX anchorages for the Child Restraint Systems (CRS).
Alejandro Furas, Secretary General of Global NCAP was not happy with these results at all. He said:
“It is very disappointing that Maruti Suzuki, the manufacturer with the largest share of the Indian market, offers such low safety performance for Indian consumers. Surely it’s time for Maruti Suzuki to demonstrate commitment to safety for its customers.”
The S-Presso was launched in September last year against a starting price of INR 3.69 lac. Not only that it does well in terms of sales in Indian market, it is also being exported to developing countries and regions including South Africa, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Related: All New Suzuki S-Presso Launched in India at INR 3.69 Lac
Although Maruti Suzuki has previously highlighted that the S-Presso is built on the latest HEARTECT platform and has as many as 10 safety features which includes ABS with EBD, rear-parking sensors and dual airbags (albeit in upper variants) it was still able to receive a zero-star rating from Global NCAP.
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
