This was the latest update
released by Global NCAP to its #SaferCarsForIndia crash test results. Barely a
few weeks back, the Global NCAP crash test had given 4 starts to the Maruti
Suzuki Vitara Brezza for adult occupant protection. The Renault Lodgy without
air bags scored a zero in a smilar carsh test by Global NCAP, a UK based
charity which conducts crash tests on cars for safety purposes.
As for the Maruti Suzuki
Swift, the two star result for adult occupants is due to high compression to
the driver chest, unstable structure and poor protection for the feet explained
by pedal displacement on the driver side. The Child Occupant Protection of only
two stars is explained by the forward facing positioning of the 18 month old
dummy in the test offering low protection and also the low protection offered
to the chest of the 3 year old dummy.
In comparison to its
predecessor tested by Global NCAP in 2014, the new Swift offers two standard
airbags and I-size approved anchorage points for CRS which demonstrated a two
star performance in safety tests. However comparing it to its twin model for
the European market, the Indian version underperformed in the frontal crash
test and is offering less safety features like side body and curtain airbags
and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) that are standard for Europe, in India
are not even optional.
David Ward, Global NCAP
Secretary General said, “The latest version of the Swift sold in India has
improved and it is good to see dual airbags as standard. This confirms the
beneficial effect of the Indian Government’s new crash test regulations. But
the performance of the Swift sold in Europe and Japan shows that a better
safety performance is still possible so Global NCAP would like to see Maruti
Suzuki aim higher.”
Alejandro Furas, Global NCAP
Technical Director said, “Maruti Suzuki proved with the Brezza that they can
produce locally models with high safety performance. They should do the same
with the Swift and at least make it available in the model range added safety
features available as standard in the European and Japanese version”.