Maruti Suzuki has taken a giant leap by introducing six airbags as standard in two of its most popular models—the Baleno and Ertiga. These vehicles, which have been staples in the Indian automobile industry for years, are now offering enhanced safety features, making them even more appealing to safety-conscious buyers. This move not only elevates the safety standards of the brand but also sets a new benchmark for vehicles in their respective segments. Let’s take a closer look at what this change means for customers and the overall automotive landscape.

A Step Toward Safer Roads

The introduction of six airbags as standard in the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Ertiga is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to improving the safety of its vehicles. While Maruti Suzuki has always been known for providing value-for-money vehicles, this new feature ensures that the brand keeps pace with the evolving safety regulations and consumer expectations.

Airbags are an essential safety feature that plays a crucial role in protecting occupants during a collision. The standard inclusion of six airbags in both the Baleno and Ertiga means that the front occupants are protected by dual front airbags, while side airbags (for both the front and rear seats) and curtain airbags offer additional protection in case of side impacts or rollover accidents. This comprehensive airbag system is a significant upgrade compared to the previous models, where the airbag count was lower, and these features were available only in the higher variants.

Why Six Airbags Matter

While many entry-level and mid-segment cars in India come with dual front airbags as standard, the addition of side and curtain airbags marks a notable improvement in the overall safety of the vehicle. Here’s why the six-airbag system is a game-changer:

1. Side Impact Protection: In the event of a side collision, side airbags deploy to protect the torso and pelvis area of the front passengers, significantly reducing the risk of injury.
2. Head Protection: Curtain airbags deploy from the roof lining to shield the occupants’ heads from injury in a side-impact crash or rollover scenario. This is especially important in protecting passengers seated at the rear.
3. Enhanced Overall Safety: By adding more airbags, the car provides better protection in multiple types of accidents, not just frontal collisions. This is particularly vital in a country like India, where accidents involving side impacts and rollovers are not uncommon.
4. Better Crash Test Ratings: With six airbags as standard, both the Baleno and Ertiga are expected to perform better in crash tests, particularly in global safety rating programs like Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme). Safer cars tend to score better ratings, boosting consumer confidence.

Maruti Suzuki’s Focus on Customer Safety

This move reflects Maruti Suzuki’s growing emphasis on customer safety. Over the years, the brand has made strides in offering better safety features across its range, especially as consumer awareness around vehicle safety has risen. The Baleno and Ertiga are among the top-selling vehicles for Maruti Suzuki, and the addition of six airbags as standard is likely to further strengthen their appeal in a competitive market.

Maruti Suzuki has also been proactive in ensuring that safety features are not restricted to just high-end variants. This is crucial in a market like India, where price sensitivity plays a significant role in buying decisions. By making six airbags standard across all variants, Maruti Suzuki is ensuring that safety is accessible to a broader range of customers.

A Step in the Right Direction for Indian Roads

India has made significant strides in improving road safety, but challenges remain. The road accident rate in the country continues to be alarmingly high, and in many cases, the lack of advanced safety features in vehicles exacerbates the severity of injuries in the event of a crash. Maruti Suzuki’s move to offer six airbags in the Baleno and Ertiga is a positive step in the right direction toward addressing this issue.

The government of India has been pushing for stricter safety regulations in recent years, with the introduction of norms for airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and crash tests. By pre-emptively offering six airbags, Maruti Suzuki not only complies with the evolving regulations but also ensures that its customers are better protected on the road.

What Does This Mean for Competitors?

The move to provide six airbags as standard sets a higher safety benchmark for competitors in the same segment. Brands that have traditionally offered only dual airbags in entry-level or mid-range cars may now be under pressure to follow suit. This could lead to a domino effect in the industry, with more manufacturers focusing on improving the safety features in their vehicles. Ultimately, consumers will benefit from better-equipped vehicles and an overall increase in safety standards across the market.

Conclusion

Maruti Suzuki’s decision to equip the Baleno and Ertiga with six airbags as standard is a clear reflection of the brand’s commitment to enhancing safety. This move not only improves the safety quotient of these vehicles but also sets a new benchmark for safety in their respective segments. With the inclusion of side, curtain, and front airbags, both cars now offer a higher level of protection for passengers, reducing the risk of injury in various types of accidents.