Made-in-India Maruti Ertiga Re-Tested by Global NCAP for South Africa!
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, a popular multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in India, has been re-tested by Global NCAP for the South African market under their stricter crash test protocols. Unfortunately, the latest results show a significant downgrade in its safety ratings, raising concerns among consumers and safety advocates alike.
Revised Safety Ratings: A Major Downgrade
The latest crash tests have revealed a sharp decline in the Ertiga’s safety ratings. The Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) rating has plummeted from three stars to one star, while the Child Occupant Protection (COP) score has decreased from three stars to two stars. This is a stark contrast to the previous assessment conducted in 2019, where the Ertiga achieved an average three-star rating under the older, less stringent protocols.
Comparison of Safety Scores
To provide a clear perspective, here is a comparison of the scores from the 2019 and 2024 tests:
| Safety Aspect | 2019 Score | 2024 Score |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Occupant Protection | 9.25 / 17 (Three Stars) | 23.63 / 34 (One Star) |
| Child Occupant Protection | 25.16 / 49 (Three Stars) | 19.4 / 49 (Two Stars) |
Detailed Analysis of Adult Occupant Protection
In the frontal impact test, the Ertiga offered good protection to both the front occupants’ head and neck. However, the driver’s chest protection was marginal, while the co-driver’s chest protection was rated as good. Both occupants’ knees received marginal shielding, with the potential for contact with structures behind the dashboard. The tibias of both the driver and co-driver were adequately protected.
In the side impact test, the Ertiga provided good protection for the head, abdomen, and pelvis, though chest protection was deemed adequate. It’s important to note that the Ertiga does not come equipped with curtain airbags, which meant that the side pole impact test was not conducted. Additionally, the footwell area and body shell were rated as unstable, unable to withstand further load.
Detailed Analysis of Child Occupant Protection
For the child occupant protection tests, both child seats for the 3-year-old and 18-month-old dummies were installed in a forward-facing position using ISOFIX mounts and top tethers. During the frontal impact test, the seat managed to prevent head exposure for the 3-year-old dummy, but chest and neck protection were limited. The 18-month-old dummy fared worse, failing to prevent high-speed deceleration and receiving poor protection for the chest and neck. However, in the side impact test, both child dummies received full protection.
Global NCAP also highlighted the lack of three-point seat belts for all occupants and noted that the Ertiga does not offer the option to disconnect the co-driver’s airbag, which is crucial if placing a child seat in the front passenger seat. Furthermore, the installation failed for the last row and the middle seat in the second row.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Safety Features Onboard
The tested variant of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga appeared to be a base model, equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and ISOFIX child-seat mounts. Higher-end variants offer additional safety features, including side airbags, bringing the total to four airbags. Despite these features, the base variant’s safety performance has been brought into question by the recent tests.
Market Position and Pricing
The Ertiga remains one of the best-selling MPVs in India, offering a blend of affordability and practicality. Prices range from Rs 8.69 lakh to Rs 13.03 lakh (ex-showroom). However, the recent downgrade in safety ratings may impact consumer confidence. The Ertiga competes with models like the Renault Triber, Kia Carens, and is seen as a cost-effective alternative to the Toyota Innova Crysta.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The revised safety ratings for the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga highlight the importance of continuous improvement in vehicle safety standards. As consumers, it’s crucial to be aware of these ratings and make informed decisions when purchasing a vehicle. We hope that Maruti Suzuki takes swift action to address these safety concerns and enhance the Ertiga’s safety features to meet the stricter protocols set by Global NCAP.
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