Maruti Suzuki WagonR Fails Updated Global NCAP Crash Tests: Scores Only One Star
India’s best-selling car, the Maruti Suzuki WagonR, has failed the updated Global NCAP crash tests, revealing concerning results. Despite standard features like two front airbags, seatbelt pretensioner, seatbelt loadlimiter, and seatbelt reminder, the WagonR only scored one star in the adult occupant protection category and zero stars in the child occupant protection category.
WagonR's Performance in Crash Tests
In the FY22, the WagonR was India’s largest-selling car with 188,838 units sold, and in FY23, it again topped the charts with 212,340 units sold. However, in the latest crash tests, it scored poorly due to weak chest protection for the driver, even with improved restraint systems from Maruti Suzuki’s previous model.
Global NCAP’s updated crash test protocols include assessments of frontal and side impact protection for all tested models, electronic stability control (ESC), pedestrian protection, and side impact pole protection assessments for vehicles with high-star ratings. Unfortunately, the WagonR failed in almost all aspects, scoring poorly on both the adult and child occupant protection categories.
Child Protection Concerns
One of the significant concerns was the lack of a child restraint system (CRS) for child passengers, as Maruti Suzuki declined to nominate one. Additionally, the lack of three-point belts in all seating positions and the absence of a standard airbag disabling feature for a rear-facing CRS in the front seating position resulted in the zero-star score for child protection.
Price and Conclusion
The Maruti Suzuki WagonR’s price in India ranges from Rs 5.51 lakh to Rs 7.42 lakh (ex-showroom). However, its poor performance in the updated Global NCAP crash tests indicates a lack of emphasis on safety features in the car, despite being the best-selling model for two consecutive years.
In conclusion, the WagonR’s poor performance in the updated Global NCAP crash tests highlights the need for Indian automakers to prioritize safety features in their vehicles. It is essential to protect the lives of occupants, particularly children, and prevent avoidable accidents. As such, we urge automakers to ensure their vehicles meet or exceed the minimum safety standards.
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