The Maruti Baleno became the first hatchback to be tested by the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP). According to the crash testing agency, the Maruti premium hatchback received three- and four-star ratings in Child Occupant Protection (COP) and Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), respectively.
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta and Alpha trims scored 26.52 in AOP/ 34.81 in COP
- Lower-ranked Sigma and Delta received 24.04 in AOP/ 34.81 in COP
Maruti Baleno safety features
BNCAP tested all four variants of the Baleno: Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha (variants ranked from base to top). While the Sigma and Delta come with two airbags, Maruti offers six airbags on the Zeta and Alpha trims. It should be noted that the premium Nexa hatchback is due to get six airbags as standard this year.
Other safety equipment on offer includes ABS, ESP with hill hold assist, a 360-degree camera, brake assist, three-point seats for all passengers and ISOFIX seat anchorages. The Baleno also complies with AIS-100 pedestrian protection norms and ESC regulations.
Maruti Baleno Zeta and Alpha BNCAP safety ratings
| Maruti Baleno Zeta and Alpha trims | ||
|---|---|---|
| Test | Received score | Maximum score |
| Adult Occupant Protection | 26.52 | 32 |
| Child Occupant Protection | 34.81 | 49 |
| Frontal Offset Deformable Barrier | 11.54 | 16 |
| Side Movable Deformable Barrier | 14.99 | 16 |
AOP
As per the report, the top-spec Baleno Zeta and Alpha variants offered ‘good’ head and neck protection in the frontal offset deformable barrier test. Protection for the chest, pelvis, tibia and feet ranged from ‘marginal’ to ‘adequate’ for the driver and front passenger. Save for the adequate chest rating in the side movable deformable barrier test, everything else was rated good. Even the side pole impact test was rated ‘good’.
COP
Dynamic score 16.81/ 24
CRS installation score 12/ 12
Vehicle assessment score 6/ 13
For 18-month-old and 3-year-old passengers, the front scores were 7.17 (out of 9) and 1.63 (out of 8), respectively. Talking about the side protection, it got a full 4 score for both ages.
Maruti Baleno Sigma and Delta BNCAP safety ratings
| Maruti Baleno Sigma and Delta trims | ||
|---|---|---|
| Test | Received score | Maximum score |
| Adult Occupant Protection | 24.04 | 32 |
| Child Occupant Protection | 34.81 | 49 |
| Frontal Offset Deformable Barrier | 11.54 | 16 |
| Side Movable Deformable Barrier | 12.50 | 16 |
AOP
Talking about the range-starting Sigma and Delta Baleno models, the frontal offset deformable barrier and side pole impact test results mirror the Zeta and Alpha trims. When it comes to the side movable deformable barrier test, the Sigma and Delta models were deemed ‘adequate’ in head and neck protection, and ‘marginal’ in chest safety. This may be attributed to the missing side and curtain airbags in these models.
COP
Dynamic score 16.81/ 24
CRS installation score 12/ 12
Vehicle assessment score 6/ 13
As evident, the COP scores of the Baleno Sigma and Delta variants are identical to the Zeta and Alpha trims.
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