India’s Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Tanks At Global NCAP Test, Scores Zero Stars

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso crashed its way into a zero-star safety rating for adult occupant protection in Global NCAP’s latest session.

Tested in base form, which is offered only with a single airbag and lacks standard three-point seatbelts in all positions and ISOFIX attachment points for child safety seats, it didn’t impress in the child occupant protection either, where it scored two stars.

The structure of the car was rated as “unstable”, with Global NCAP’s recommendation being that it “should be improved”, and the footwell area was also rated as “unstable”. It is worth noting that, for the Indian market, vehicles are only tested in the frontal crash protection for occupants, as the side impact and pedestrian protection are not part of their protocols yet.

See Also: Kia Blasted By Latin NCAP After Picanto Scores Zero Stars In Crash Test

“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”, said Global NCAP Secretary General, Alejandro Furas. “Domestic manufacturers like Mahindra and Tata have demonstrated high levels of safety and protection for their customers, both achieving five-star performance. Surely, it’s time for Maruti Suzuki to demonstrate this commitment to safety for its customers?”

“There is no place for zero rated cars in the Indian market”, added the President of the Towards Zero Foundation, David Ward. “It remains a great disappointment that an important manufacturer like Maruti Suzuki does not recognize this.”

Two other cars were tested by Global NCAP alongside the S-Presso, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and the Kia Seltos. The former achieved two stars for adult occupant and another two for child occupant protection, and the latter scored three stars for adult occupant and two for child occupant protection. The Grand i10 Nios’ structure and footwell area were rated as “unstable”, whereas the Seltos’ structure was rated as “borderline case unstable” and the footwell area as “unstable”.