Suzuki Baleno has been tested by the Latin New Car Assessment Programme, which evaluates the safety of cars for Latin America and the Caribbean. The safety rating agency tested the latest version of the vehicle, which comes with six airbags as standard equipment and has scored a 2-star rating. Although not satisfactory, the result is an improvement over the 2021 test results of LNCAP, which gave a zero-star rating to the car. It is to be noted that the aforementioned version had two airbags.
Before discussing the specifics, it is worth noting that the Baleno is a popular premium hatchback in India and is also exported to several countries. In the evaluation by LNCAP, it scored 31.75 points out of 35, resulting in a rating of 79.38 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection. For Child Occupant Protection, it earned 32.08 points out of 49, which translates to a 65.46 per cent rating.
Also Read: MG Hector, Gloster, And Others Getting Expensive From Jan 1, Currently On Discounts
In the category assessing Pedestrian Protection and Vulnerable Road Users, the hatchback achieved 23.17 points out of 36, leading to a rating of 48.28 per cent. The Safety Assist test yielded a rating of 58.14 per cent, with a score of 25 points. The vehicle was tested for frontal impact, side impact, side pole impact, whiplash, pedestrian protection, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
In its latest version, the Baleno showed significant improvements in occupant protection during crash tests, mainly due to the introduction of standard side body and curtain airbags. These features enhanced head protection in side impact scenarios, while chest protection in side collisions met adequate standards compared to previous results.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki WagonR Hits 35 Lakh Production Milestone
The outcomes of frontal impact tests showed a stable structure and footwell, offering consistent protection levels for both the driver and passenger. Child occupant safety remained strong when using rearward-facing child seats with ISOFIX mounts; however, the absence of a passenger airbag deactivation switch complicated safe installation in the front seat.
Also Read: Nissan To Launch 3 New Models In India: Tekton, Gravite, And 7-Seater SUV Confirmed!
Presently, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is sold in the Indian market at a starting price of Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom). It is powered by a 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine, which produces 90 hp of power and 113 Nm of peak torque. The units are paired with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed AMT. The brand also offers the option of a CNG powertrain. It offers an ARAI-claimed mileage of 22.35 kmpl, while the new AMT versions return 22.94 kmpl.