Maruti Suzuki is India’s #1 car manufacturer, that’s a fact. However, Maruti Suzuki does not have a single car on sale in the Indian market which has so far scored a top 5-Star crash test rating from Global NCAP under the #SaferCarsForIndia initiative / test program.
In 2014, Global NCAP asked for the Datsun Go sales to be stopped immediately, after a poor crash test performance. But look how the tables have turned. The Nissan Magnite which is now on sale, which initially started it’s development journey as a Datsun product, is now rated 4-Star safe by the same testing body. Nissan deserves appreciation for pulling up their socks, and delivering a safe product to the Indian buyers.
Since both, the Nissan Magnite & Maruti Suzuki Fronx belong to the crossover category, although they are being pitched as SUV’s; let us compare the safety equipment on offer. But first, have a look at the Nissan Magnite’s Global NCAP crash test report card below:
The safety kit in this budget crossover, the Nissan Magnite includes dual front airbags, 3-point seat belts for all except for the rear centre passenger, ABS, EBD, anti-roll bar, rear parking sensors, engine immobilizer, child lock, automatic hazard warning under heavy braking, seat belt reminder for driver & front passenger, rear defogger, front fog lamps, ISOFIX, anti-theft alarm, central door lock switch, impact sensing door unlock, loud trumpet horn, rear camera with guide, vehicle dynamic control, hill start assist, traction control, hydraulic brake assist, around view monitor, tyre pressure monitoring system, remote keyless entry and a digital i-key.
Important point to note is that the Nissan Magnite model used for the crash test was the base XL variant. The body shell of the Magnite was rated stable, in the event of a crash.
Safety kit on the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Fronx includes a head up display, 360 degree camera, electronic stability program, hill hold assist, dual front airbags with side & curtain airbags, rear view camera, reverse parking sensors with infographics, 3-point seat belts for all, rear defogger, anti-theft security system, ISOFIX, day-night inside rear view mirror. Also a few Suzuki Connect safety features which include emergency alerts, breakdown notification, stolen car tracking & notification, engine immobilizer request, two away & tracking, geofencing, safe time alert & valet alert.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx comes with the Suzuki-Tect body structure and the brand claims that the vehicle is front impact compliant, front offset impact compliant & side impact compliant and pedestrian protection compliant. However, these are claims by the brand, and not tested & validated by a 3rd party.
The upcoming Maruti Suzuki Fronx has not hit the streets yet, and the product is open for bookings and viewing at showrooms. The Fronx is a crossover based on the new Baleno, and is now equipped with kit which old Maruti Suzuki cars did not have, which were crash tested. So we expect the new Fronx to deliver a better crash test score and prove to be a safe family car.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki WagonR is NOT SAFE! Scores 1-star Global NCAP crash rest rating
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 scores only 2-Star Global NCAP crash test rating
