Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Safety Rating: NCAP Rating, Safety Features

When it comes to choosing a family car, safety is a top priority for most buyers. Known as the fastest selling MUV in India, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is often praised for its practicality, affordability, and versatility. Priced between Rs. 8.64 lakh and Rs. 13.08 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant, this car becomes a good choice for budget-conscious buyers. But how does it fare in terms of safety? 

To help you make an informed decision, we’ll take a closer look at the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga safety rating, its performance in crash tests, and the safety features it offers. Understanding the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga NCAP rating is crucial for evaluating its overall value. Let’s dive deeper into its safety credentials.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga NCAP Safety Rating

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga NCAP rating is based on its performance in crash tests conducted by the Global NCAP rating in 2019 and Bharat NCAP, whose ratings have not yet been officially released. The rating reflects the car’s ability to protect adult and child occupants in the event of a collision.

Global NCAP Safety Ratings

In 2019, the Ertiga was crash-tested by Global NCAP under its Safer Cars for India campaign. It achieved a three-star safety rating for adult occupant protection and a three-star rating for child occupant protection. At the time, this performance was considered satisfactory for a car in its segment.

Bharat NCAP Testing Status

Though its official safety rating is not yet known, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has been sent for testing under Bharat NCAP. Once available, the Bharat NCAP rating will offer a better view of the car’s crashworthiness under India-specific criteria. 

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Adult Occupant Protection Rating (2019 Global NCAP)

The Ertiga’s safety assessment for adult occupants evaluated body shell integrity and frontal impact protection among other factors. The car received a score of 9.25/17 points, which demonstrated:

1. Bodyshell Integrity:

Rated unstable, hence in a serious collision, it might not be able to bear the extensive load.

2. Frontal Impact:

The front passenger and driver had adequate head and neck protection. Additionally, the weak chest protection for the driver reduced the total score.

3. Footwell Area:

Rated unstable with substantial pedal displacement, therefore increasing the chance of lower-leg injury.

4. Side Impact Protection:

While side airbags are available in higher variants, the base models lack this feature. The absence of comprehensive side-impact protection affects the overall safety rating for adult occupants.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Child Occupant Protection Rating

Child safety was evaluated using Child Restraint Systems (CRS), and Ertiga got a three-star for child occupant protection rating with a score of 25.16/49 points. Here is what was uncovered:

1. Dynamic Performance:

During the forward collision test, the three-year-old dummy’s head went forward noticeably, suggesting a head injury risk.

2. ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors:

The Ertiga does come with standard ISOFIX anchor points for securing child seats, which is a positive feature. However, the overall CRS installation score was not high enough to significantly boost its safety rating.

3. Protection Levels:

The 18-month-old dummy received better protection compared to the 3-year-old dummy, but both were exposed to risks due to limited restraint during the crash.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Safety Features

While the NCAP ratings provide an overview of crash performance, the safety features offered by the vehicle play a crucial role in enhancing on-road safety. Here’s a detailed look at the features which impact Maruti Suzuki Ertiga safety rating:

Standard Safety Features

• Dual Front Airbags: Every variant of the Ertiga comes equipped with dual front airbags for the driver and front passenger.
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) ensures better stability during emergency braking by preventing wheel lock-up and optimising braking force.
• ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors: These anchors allow for the secure installation of compatible child seats, ensuring better safety for young passengers.
• Rear Parking Sensors: Standard in all variants, these sensors help drivers avoid obstacles while reversing.
• High-Speed Alert System: This system alerts the driver when the vehicle exceeds a certain speed, promoting safer driving habits.
• Seat Belt Reminder: A seat belt reminder is provided for the front seats to ensure compliance with basic safety protocols.

Advanced Safety Features in Higher Variants

The higher variants of the Ertiga, such as the ZXi and ZXi Plus, offer additional safety features that include:

• Four Airbags:  In addition to the standard dual airbags, higher trims come equipped with side airbags for both the driver and front passenger.
• Hill-Hold Assist: Available in the automatic transmission variants, this feature prevents the car from rolling back on inclines, making it easier to drive in hilly areas.
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP): This feature, available in select variants, helps maintain vehicle stability during sharp turns or slippery road conditions.
• Rear Parking Camera: Higher trims come with a rearview camera that complements the parking sensors, providing better visibility while reversing.
• Auto Headlamps: Some variants include automatic headlamps that switch on in low-light conditions, improving visibility.

FAQs about Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Safety Ratings