Maruti Suzuki Wagon R fails the Global NCAP test whereas Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia scores highest star

The Global NCAP has released the results of its crash tests conducted on four popular car models in India. These car models include Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Alto K10, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Slavia. On one side where Volkswagen and Skoda were impressed with 5 stars, Maruti Suzuki failed the test. The scores of Maruti Suzuki Wagon R have fallen in comparison to the 2019 scores because last time the results were based on less stringent testing parameters.

This test was the first GNCAP crash test for the Indian market in 2023. As per the results the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R managed to score only one star in adult occupant protection and zero stars for child occupant protection. The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 has received two stars for adult occupant protection and zero stars for child occupant protection. If we talk about the scores of Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia score, both cars have got the highest rating of five stars for adult and child occupant protection.

What makes Maruti Suzuki WagonR unsafe?

The test results show that Maruti Suzuki did not equip the car with ISOFIX nor did it recommend a CRS(child restraint system) in the Wagon R. The test also brought out the absence of an option to disable the front passenger airbag for the rear-facing child restraint system and absence of three-point seatbelts for all seating positions. As per the results, children were more prone to the risk of injuries in both the front and rear-facing positions.

Response

The president of the Towards Zero Foundation has responded to these test results by saying “Maruti Suzuki falls well short again on safety performance for some of the most popular cars sold in India”. Towards Zero Foundation is a UK charity working internationally for safe and sustainable mobility.