In the latest round of crash tests conducted by Global NCAP, the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso has achieved a zero star rating. The entry-level variant (made-in-India) was tested at the crash lab in Germany. The mini SUV that comes with a driver-side airbags (standard), got zero stars for adult occupant protection. The crash test dummies showed major injury to the neck and chest area. In fact, the body shell and front footwell were also rated unstable.
The mini SUV misses out the front seatbelts pretensioners and the rear middle occupant 3-point seatbelt. The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso received 2 star safety rating for child occupant safety rating. All variants of the mini SUV get anti-lock braking system (ABS), rear parking sensors, a driver-side airbag, seatbelt reminders, a speed alert system and a digital speedometer as standard safety features.
Maruti S-Presso Global NCAP Crash Test Video
Commenting on the Maruti S-Presso Global NCAP crash test results, Alejandro Furas, Secretary General of Global NCAP said, “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 performances. Surely it’s time for Maruti Suzuki to demonstrate this commitment to safety for its customers?”
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso underpins Suzuki’s latest ‘Heartect’ platform which has also been used in models like the Baleno, Wagon R and Ertiga MPV. It’s a lightweight architecture that’s claimed to provide structural rigidity benefits. The mini SUV weighs between 726kg and 763kg, depending on the variant. Compared to the entry-level 800cc Alto and Alto K10, the base variant of the S-Presso is marginally and a good 43kg lighter respectively. Read – Is Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS Coming Back?
Powering the Maruti S-Presso is the BS6-compliant 1.0-litre K10B petrol engine that makes power worth 68hp and 90Nm of torque. The same motor also does duty in the Wagon R, Alto K10 and Celerio. Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual and an AMT unit. While the lower variants (Standard and LXi) deliver a claimed fuel efficiency of 21.4kpl, the higher variants (VXi and VXi+) variants promise 21.7kpl.
