It has become a cultural meme in India to talk about Maruti Suzuki’s poor safety record based on the results of its past crash tests. A similar story played out with the recently revealed crash-test results of the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and WagonR. It goes without saying that both have performed quite poorly.
Crash Test Scores
- The Global NCAP conducted the crash tests under its #SaferCarsForIndia campaign.
- Both hatchbacks have government-mandated safety features like dual front airbags, front seatbelt reminder, high-speed alert system, ABS with Electronic Braking Distribution, and rear parking sensors as standard fitment.
- It is worth noting that ESP (Electronic Stability Control) is also included in all current WagonR variants but not in the tested model.
- The entry-level Alto K10 received a 2-star safety rating for adult occupant protection, while the segment-above WagonR got only one star.
- For child-occupant safety, both the hatchbacks got a zero star.
| Crash Test Scores | Alto K10 | WagonR |
| Adult occupant rating | 2 stars (21.67 of 34 points) | 1 star (19.69 of 34 points) |
| Child occupant rating | 0 star (3.52 out of 49 points) | 0 stars (3.52 out of 49 points) |
- Both the models lack side & curtain airbags, 3-point belts for all five seats, and ISOFIX child seat anchors, contributing to their lower rating.
- Bodyshell Integrity: The bodyshell of the Alto K10’ was rated as “stable” and capable of withstanding more impact loads. On the other hand, the Wagon R’s body shell was considered “unstable.”
- During the front impact crash test, the head and neck protection provided to the driver and co-driver in the Maruti Alto K10 was rated “good”, but in Wagon R, it was “acceptable” and “good” for the driver and co-driver head, respectively, and “good’ for their necks.
- The Alto K10 offered “marginal” protection to the chests of both driver and co-driver.
- The guard offered to the driver’s chest was labelled as “weak” in the WagonR and “adequate” for the passenger’s chest.
- In the side impact test, the Alto K10 nourished “good” protection to the driver’s head and pelvis. However, the protection offered to the chest and abdomen were rated “weak” and “adequate”, respectively.
- In the Maruti WagonR, the protection to the head, abdomen and pelvis was awarded as “good”, while chest protection was considered “marginal” during the side impact crash test.
- The side pole collision test was not performed due to the lack of curtains and side airbags in both models.
- Since both cars lack ISOFIX mounts, the child seats were installed using the rear seat belts that failed to prevent excessive movement during the impact, causing a high risk of injuries, which contributes to their poor COP safety rating.
Author’s Take
Indian consumers are very fond of both the Alto K10 and WagonR. However, we have been disappointed by their poor safety ratings. Although it was praiseworthy to see that the new Alto K10 has a “stable” bodyshell that could withstand high-speed impacts, it wasn’t the same for the WagonR, which is a segment above the model.
It is imperative that Maruti Suzuki improves the structural integrity of its cars and offers features like ESC, ISOFIX anchorages, and more airbags at least as options.
