Maruti Suzuki India, the leading passenger vehicle manufacturer in the country, has once again fallen short in the latest Global NCAP crash tests. The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10, one of the company’s most popular models, has received a dismal rating, scoring only two stars for adult occupant protection and zero for child occupant protection.
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Fails Crash Tests: Poor Safety Rating for Adult and Child Occupants
Alto K10's Crash Test Results: Adult and Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP has reported that the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 exhibited a sturdy structure and provided reasonable protection for adult occupants from the chest to head in frontal impacts. However, it failed to provide adequate protection for the chest in side impacts. The vehicle received a zero score for child protection due to the absence of three-point seat belts in all seating positions and the lack of a standard feature to disable airbags when a rear-facing child restraint system is used in the front seat.
Safety Features in Alto K10: Dual Front Airbags and More
Despite the poor crash test results, the tested units of the Alto K10 were equipped with some safety features, such as dual front airbags, seatbelt pretensioner, seatbelt loadlimiter, and seatbelt reminder, among others, as standard.
Alto K10 Price in India: Budget-Friendly but Risky
The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 was introduced in India in August 2022 and subsequently underwent testing by Global NCAP. The car is priced between Rs 3.99 lakh and Rs 5.96 lakh (ex-showroom), making it an affordable option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the low price comes with a high risk factor, as the car’s poor safety rating is a major concern.
Updated Global NCAP Crash Tests: More Comprehensive Assessments
Global NCAP’s revised crash test standards now evaluate the front and side impact protection, electronic stability control (ESC), and pedestrian safety for all tested car models. In addition, vehicles with the highest star ratings must also pass the side impact pole protection test. These updated testing procedures aim to guarantee that automobiles provide optimal safety for both adult and child passengers.
Dismal Performance by Maruti Suzuki WagonR: Poor Safety Rating for Adult and Child Occupants
The Maruti Suzuki WagonR, India’s largest-selling car for two consecutive fiscals, also fared poorly in the Global NCAP crash tests, scoring only one star for adult occupant protection and zero for child occupant protection. The WagonR’s lack of safety features puts occupants at risk, making it a questionable choice for buyers who value safety.
Conclusion: Choose Safety First
In conclusion, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and WagonR’s poor safety ratings are a cause for concern. While these cars may be budget-friendly, they come at a high risk to occupants, especially children. As a responsible car buyer, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and opt for cars that have a higher safety rating and better safety features, even if they come at a higher cost. Remember, safety should always come first.
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