Maruti Baleno Safety Rating India Latin NCAP Report

The maruti baleno, one of India’s most popular premium hatchbacks from Nexa Baleno, has now been tested by Latin NCAP, and the results are not as reassuring as many expected. While the baleno new model earlier secured a strong 4 star rating under Bharat NCAP, the stricter Latin NCAP framework has exposed gaps that buyers should seriously consider.

This comparison is not meant to alarm but to inform. Safety standards vary globally, and Latin NCAP follows more demanding crash protocols.

Maruti Baleno Adult Occupant Protection Score Breakdown

Under Latin NCAP, the maruti baleno scored up to 79 percent for adult occupant protection in the six airbag variant, while the two airbag version dropped sharply to 42 percent.

Adult Occupant Protection Scores Table

The maruti baleno provided good head and neck protection in frontal crashes. Chest protection remained adequate. Knee protection was rated marginal, yet the bodyshell and footwell stayed stable, which is a positive structural sign.

Side Impact Performance Shows Clear Difference

The six airbag baleno new model clearly outperformed the two airbag version in side impact tests, especially in chest protection. The side pole impact test was skipped for the two airbag version, which affected its final rating.

Whiplash protection for the neck remained good across both variants.

Maruti Baleno Child Occupant Safety Performance

Child safety performance stood at 65 percent, which is respectable but not class leading.

Child Occupant Protection Table

Rear facing child seats using ISOFIX mounts offered good protection for both child dummies. However, the front passenger seat lacks ISOFIX, restricting child seat installation options.

Pedestrian Protection Rating of Maruti Baleno

Pedestrian safety scored 48 percent. Head protection across the bonnet ranged from adequate to marginal, with poor protection near the A pillars. Upper leg protection was mostly poor, while lower leg protection performed well. Results were similar across both variants.

Safety Assist Features and Limitations

The maruti baleno features and specifications include seatbelt reminders for all seats and standard Electronic Stability Control, both compliant with Latin NCAP norms. However, the absence of ADAS features significantly reduced its safety assist score, capped at 58 percent.

Should You Still Buy Maruti Baleno in India

For buyers prioritizing mileage, refinement, service reach, and resale, the maruti baleno still makes sense. But if safety is your top priority, especially active safety, this report should be weighed carefully. A baleno 360 view of ownership today demands balancing comfort, features, and evolving global safety expectations.

FAQs

Q1. Why did Maruti Baleno score lower in Latin NCAP than Bharat NCAP
Latin NCAP uses stricter crash protocols, additional side pole tests, and higher safety assist expectations.

Q2. Is the six airbag Maruti Baleno safer than the two airbag version
Yes. The six airbag variant performed significantly better in side impact and chest protection.

Q3. Does Maruti Baleno support child seats
Yes, rear seats support ISOFIX child seats. The front passenger seat does not.

Q4. Does the Nexa Baleno offer ADAS features
No. The absence of ADAS impacted its safety assist score.

Q5. Is Maruti Baleno still safe for Indian roads
It meets Indian safety regulations, but globally its safety performance is average under stricter standards.