The Global NCAP has released the latest crash test results for the Maruti Suzuki WagonR hatchback. The model rated a 1 star car by the safety rating programme with 19.69 points (of a maximum 34) in adult occupant protection and zero score in the child occupant protection. In the frontal offset deformable barrier test and the side movable deformable barrier test, the Maruti WagonR managed to achieve 6.7 points and 13 points respectively. No side pole impact test was conducted as it comes only with dual front airbags.
In the frontal impact test, the hatchback offered ‘good’ neck protection and ‘adequate’ head protection. While the driver’s chest protection was rated as weak, the knees protection was marginal. The results show that the ‘dangerous structures’ behind the dashboard might cause injury to knees. Talking about the passenger’s safety, the WagonR provided ‘good’ protection for the head and neck and ‘adequate’ protection for the chest. The bodyshell and footwell area rated as unstable and unable to withstand any further loadings.
What’s the reason behind poor safety rating?
The Maruti WagonR misses out on the standard electronic stability control (ESC) fitment. As mentioned above, it gets zero child crash test rating in the Global NCAP. The reason behind it is the lack of Isofix child mount anchorage, integrated CRS and airbag cut-off switch along with the three-point seatbelts for all occupants. The model does not meet the GTR9/UN127 pedestrian safety standards.
The standard safety kit of the Maruti WagonR includes dual airbags, ABS (antilock braking system) with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), rear parking sensors, speed alerts and seatbelt reminder. The hill hold control is available from VXi trim onwards that too only on the AMT variants.
David Ward, president of the Towards Zero Foundation said, “Maruti Suzuki falls well short again on safety performance for some of the most popular cars sold in India.”
