The Global NCAP is back with the sixth round of 'Safer Cars For India' crash test results, and the models tested this time include two immensely popular Maruti Suzuki models – the Ertiga & WagonR.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
Out of the two, the Ertiga fared better in the 2019 crash test, as it secured an overall 3-star safety rating. In the two segments – Adult Protection & Child Protection – the Ertiga scored 9.25 out of a possible 17 points in the former category and 25.16 out of a possible 49 points in the latter. In both cases, the score translated into a 3-star rating. For adult occupants, the Ertiga performed well in terms of head & neck protection for both occupants (driver and passenger). However, the driver was at a higher risk, as its footwell area was rated as unstable and pedals displacement showed risks to the lower legs. The driver's chest protection was also rated as marginal. On the other hand, passenger pretensioner failed to work properly.
In terms of child occupants, the Eritga performed fairly well for a 3-year old child. However, the results were a bit disappointing for the 18-month-old dummy. The Eritga lost valuable points for having forward-facing Child Restraint Systems (CRS), as opposed to the global best practice of having rear-facing CRS, for not having 3-point seat belts for all occupants, & for a borderline 'unstable' bodyshell integrity rating.
Also, the Eritga offers a minimum of two front airbags as standard.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR
The WagonR ran into some hurdles due to the fact that it offers only a driver's airbag as standard. Hence, it secured an overall 2-star safety rating. For adult protection, the WagonR scored 6.93 out of a possible 17 points, and for Child protection, the WagonR scored 16.33 out of a possible 49 points. In both categories, the score translated into a 2-star rating. Like the Ertiga, the WagonR's unstable footwell area also posed a significant risk to the driver's lower legs. Chest protection for both front occupants (driver + passenger) was another problem area (weak rating), while the neck & head protection was rated as adequate/good.
The WagonR did not fare well in terms of child protection, especially for the 3-year-old dummy, as its CRS broke during the test. Despite having a rear-facing CRS for the 18-month-old dummy, the overall chest protection was still weak. Further, the WagonR lost points for not offering 3-point seat belts for all occupants and for also missing out on ISOFIX CRS anchorage points. Like the Ertiga, the WagonR's bodyshell integrity was also deemed unstable.
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