Maruti Baleno Bharat NCAP Crash Test: 2 Airbags vs 6 Airbags Variants Compared

Maruti offers 2 airbags in the lower-spec Sigma, Delta and Zeta variants, while 6 airbags is strictly reserved for the tops-end Alpha trim

The Maruti Baleno has been tested by Bharat NCAP and received a 4-star safety rating. Unlike most Maruti models which were updated this year to feature 6 airbags right from the base variant, the Baleno still offers only 2 airbags in its lower-spec Sigma, Delta and Zeta variants, with 6 airbags available only in the top-spec Alpha trim. Bharat NCAP tested the Baleno with both 2 and 6 airbags, and here is how the results differ:

Bharat NCAP Crash Test Results And Scores

Maruti Baleno with 6 airbags

The Alpha variant of the Maruti Baleno with 6 airbags was rated to provide ‘good’ protection to the driver’s head and neck, ‘marginal’ protection to check, pelvis and thighs, and ‘adequate’ protection to tibias and feet. The co-driver’s head and neck too received ‘good’ protection, while for all the other parts, safety was rated ‘adequate’.

In the side movable deformable barrier test, the driver’s head, torso and pelvis received ‘good’ protection, while the chest received an ‘adequate’ rating. However, protection to all parts of the driver was rated ‘good’ in the side pole impact test.

In its Child Occupant Protection (COP) tests, the 6-airbag-variant scored 18.81 out of 24 points. While side impact protection for both child dummies was rated full marks, the front impact protection was 7.17 out of 8 points for the 18-month-old dummy but notably poor for the 3-year-old dummy (1.63 out of 8 points).

Maruti Baleno with 2 airbags

Lower variants of the Baleno with 2 airbags received similar ratings in the front offset deformable barrier test and the side pole impact test. The difference, however, is in the side movable deformable barrier test, where the 2 airbag variants scored ‘good’ protection rating for the driver’s hips, ‘adequate’ for the head and torso, and ‘marginal’ for the driver’s chest.

In the COP tests too, there was no difference due to the lesser number of airbags in the Baleno.  

Also Read: Maruti Dzire vs Maruti Baleno: Bharat NCAP Results Compared

Takeaways

As mentioned earlier, the 2 airbag variants lost points majorly due to the ‘adequate’ protection to the driver’s head and torso, which is ‘good’ for the variant with 6 airbags. The chest protection also differs between both versions of the premium hatchback, where for the higher trims it is rated ‘adequate’.

Safety Features

Lower variants of the Maruti Baleno come with dual front airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), 3-point seatbelts for all passengers with seatbelt reminders, ISOFIX child seat anchorages and rear parking sensors. 

The fully-loaded Alpha trim also introduces 6 airbags and a 360-degree camera setup into the mix.

Price And Rivals

The Maruti Baleno’s 2 airbag variants (Sigma, Delta and Zeta) range between Rs 6.70 lakh and Rs  9.37 lakh, while the 6 airbags variant (Alpha) ranges from Rs 9.42 lakh to Rs 9.92 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom, pan-India).

The Maruti Baleno rivals other premium hatchbacks including the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz and Toyota Glanza.

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