Made-in-India Suzuki Baleno scores 0 stars in Latin NCAP
In the latest round of crash tests conducted by Global NCAP for the South American market through Latin NCAP, the Suzuki Baleno has put up a disappointing performance scoring 0 stars. The Suzuki Baleno on sale in Latin America is manufactured in India. although isn't identical to the India-spec Maruti Suzuki Baleno.
The Suzuki Baleno was tested for frontal and side impact, whiplash and pedestrian protection scoring 20.03 per cent in adult occupant protection, 17.06 per cent in child occupant protection, 64.06 per cent in pedestrian protection and 6.98 per cent on safety assist systems.
In a head-on collision, the Baleno's structure remained stable although the driver and front passenger's knees showed marginal protection as they can impact with dangerous structures behind the fascia while the side impact test showed a high intrusion in the door with poor protection to the chest of the adult. The whiplash test showed marginal neck protection although pedestrian protection performance was up to a reasonable level.
The Latin NCAP justifies the 0-star rating through the poor side impact protection, marginal whiplash protection, lack of standard side body and head protection airbags, lack of standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the decision of Suzuki not to recommend Child Restraint Systems (CRS). The Baleno tested was fitted with the standard two airbags, although 6 airbags and ESC are available as options. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno sold in India is only offered with two airbags and no ESC.
The Suzuki Baleno becomes the second offering from the Japanese carmaker after the Swift to score 0 stars in the Latin NCAP. Most recently, the newly launched Tata Punch scored a full 5-star safety rating from GNCAP.
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