Maruti Suzuki has built a solid reputation for offering cars with low maintenance costs and high resale value. While these qualities have fueled strong sales for years, safety is becoming a more pressing concern among Indian buyers. The recent Bharat NCAP crash test results for one of Maruti’s best-selling premium hatchbacks have now brought its safety levels into the spotlight—and not in a flattering way.

Adult and Child Safety Ratings Disappoint

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has just been crashed tested under Bharat NCAP, and the findings have left many disappointed. Contrary to hopes, the Baleno failed to score a 5-star rating. Rather, it scored only 4 stars in adult safety and 3 stars in child occupant protection, giving safety-driven buyers cause for concern.

Both 2-airbag and 6-airbag versions of Baleno were tested. The 6-airbag model received 26.52 marks out of a maximum of 32 under adult safety, whereas the 2-airbag model received a mere 24.02 marks. Yet, both received the same score for child safety, which was 34.81 out of a maximum of 49.

Performance in Crash Tests

In the frontal offset barrier test, both models scored 11.54 out of 16. With respect to the side movable barrier test, the results differed slightly—6-airbag model scored 12.50, while the 2-airbag model scored marginally higher at 14.99 out of 16.

Though these figures record some level of protection, the 3-star child safety rating is a cause for concern, particularly among family buyers concerned about rear-seat protection.

Safety Features Available

The variants tested by us were nicely loaded with various safety features. They comprised hill hold assist, electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, and a 360-degree parking camera. Added to these were speed-sensitive auto door locking, high-speed warning notifications, ISOFIX mounts, 3-point seatbelts, and reverse parking camera—all the necessary safety equipment, particularly for a car in this price bracket.

Baleno Price Range

Even with the disappointing safety ratings, the Baleno is a robust seller in India. The vehicle is available at prices beginning from ₹6.70 lakh (ex-showroom). If you’re looking for the top trim with everything included, the price goes up to ₹9.42 lakh (ex-showroom).