Global NCAP has been conducting crash test programs on Indian made cars since 2014. Recently, it tested the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS and Kia Seltos for crash safety. The results were quite disappointing. S-Presso has once again received a zero star rating. While Grand i10 NIOS was handed out a 2-star rating followed by Seltos achieving a 3-star rating. The safety test was carried out at a crash lab in Germany. According to the protocol, the base variants were used for the same. Furthermore, the cars were subjected to a frontal off-set test that is carried out at 64 kmph.
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is fitted with a driver airbag as standard. As per the crash report, the hatchback offered poor and weak protection for both driver and co-passenger’s chest. The dummies that were used for the crash test showed injury on the neck and chest area. The car’s bodyshell along with the front footwell area was rated as unstable. Further, the front seat belts did not have pretensioners. Also, the rear middle passenger is not provided with a 3-point seat-belt. As for the child occupant safety, a 2-star rating has been given to the hatchback.
Talking about the Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS, it is offered with dual-front airbags and pretensioners as a standard fitment. It further provided good protection for the co-passenger and driver’s neck. The dummies used for the test showed non-fatal injuries in the lower half of the body. While the chest area was reasonably protected thereby leading to limitation of the Seat belt reminder (SBR) points having standard SBR for front passengers. The Grand i10 NIOS received a 2-star rating for child safety. This was basically due to the lack of ISOFIX and refusing to recommend a CRS for the test. Furthermore, the NIOS also lacked a 3-point seatbelt in all seating positions.
“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. Domestic manufacturers like Mahindra and Tata have demonstrated high levels of safety and protection for their customers, both achieving five-star performance. Surely it’s time for Suzuki Maruti to demonstrate this commitment to safety for its customers,” commented Alejandro Furas, Secretary-General, Global NCAP on these results.
Kia Seltos, on the other hand, was handed a 3-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 2-star rating for child occupant protection. The compact SUV is equipped with dual-front airbags and pretensioners as standard. The bodyshell and footwell was rated as unstable while head protection was said to be adequate for both the front passengers. Its neck protection was also stated to be good. As for chest protection for the co-passenger, it was rated good and for the driver, it was rated marginal. The car offers SBR for the front seating positions. Child occupant protection showed poor results as the manufacturers refused to recommend CRS for the test. Furthermore, the SUV does not offer standard 3 point belts in all seating positions and has no ISOFIX anchorages.
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