One of the most popular hatchbacks in the Indian market is the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, renowned for its impressive mileage and stylish design. However, there have been ongoing concerns about the Baleno safety rating. In this article, we will explore the Baleno’s safety features in detail and provide an overview of its Global NCAP safety rating.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno: A Brief History
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno was first launched in the Indian market in 2015, targeting the premium hatchback segment. It quickly gained popularity due to its appealing features, design, and fuel efficiency. In 2022, the Baleno was updated with a range of modern features and improvements.
The Baleno's strong performance and competitive pricing have made it a favourite in both urban and rural areas, contributing to its status as one of the best-selling models in India. To meet international market demands and keep pace with evolving safety standards, the Baleno has periodically enhanced its safety features in response to increased competition and regulatory requirements.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno - Safety Features
The company has undergone a number of modifications in recent years to enhance the Maruti Baleno Global NCAP rating. Nowadays, two airbags and an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) are standard features in most of its models. Additionally, ISOFIX child seat mounts are available, which is a fantastic feature for children's safety.
To facilitate parking, the Baleno also comes equipped with features like a reverse parking camera and rear parking sensors. The car's body structure has also been updated to provide the utmost protection for the occupants in the event of an accident. Many experts believe that the Baleno requires more safety elements to increase its overall safety level, particularly in the event of an accident.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Global NCAP Safety Ratings
Indian consumers looking to purchase the vehicle must understand the Maruti Baleno safety rating thoroughly to make an informed decision.
Unfortunately, the Baleno received a zero-star rating on the NCAP test. Let’s break down the reasons for the same:
- Adult Protection: The Baleno received a 20% on the score for adult occupants. This score is influenced by poor protection of the chest and neck in the event of an accident. The poor side impact protection and marginal whiplash are reasons for the same.
- Child Protection: The Baleno scored 17% in this regard, indicating ineffective systems for younger occupants of the vehicle. Even though the Baleno has ISOFIX anchors, the shell of the vehicle failed to provide adequate protection.
The Maruti Baleno does not meet the UN127 regulation for passenger protection as well, scoring 64% in this regard. The car showed marginal to good protection areas when tested.
The Baleno does not offer an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard, significantly affecting its effectiveness of safety features. Additionally, the lack of a standard Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and speed limitation contributes to an overall low Baleno NCAP rating.
It is vital to consider comprehensive car insurance when acquiring a vehicle to cover potential risks. An appropriate policy can provide financial protection in the event of an accident and provide additional peace of mind when driving a vehicle that meets your budget but possesses a few safety limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the Maruti Suzuki Baleno a safe car?
Basic safety features, including dual airbags, ABS, and EBD, are included with the Baleno. However, its safety rating according to the Global NCAP is mediocre.
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What is the Global NCAP rating of the Baleno?
Global NCAP has rated the Maruti Suzuki Baleno with an overall zero stars, scoring 20% for adult protection and 17% for child protection.
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What are the safety features of the Baleno?
Features such as ISOFIX child seat mounts, a reverse camera, ABS, EBD, dual airbags, and rear parking sensors are standard on the Baleno.
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Is the Baleno's rating good compared to other hatchback cars?
When compared to other cars the Baleno's ranking is mediocre. Depending on the model and safety features some rival vehicles have scored higher than others.
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Is it necessary to get car insurance for Baleno?
It is essential for every car to have auto insurance. It offers financial protection and legal support in case of an accident.
Conclusion
Although the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a popular and stylish hatchback, its safety rating remains average. Global NCAP has rated it slightly lower than other high-end hatchbacks, with a 3-star rating. Prioritising safety is crucial when making a purchase decision, especially if you are considering the Baleno.
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