Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Re-tested By Global NCAP, Scores Disappointing One Star Rating

Quick Highlights 

• Made-in-India Maruti Ertiga re-tested by Global NCAP for South Africa. 
• Adult Occupant Protection revised from three stars to one star. 
• Child Occupant Protection scores drop from three stars to two stars. 
• The Ertiga was re-tested under Global NCAP’s stricter protocols.

The made-in-India Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has been retested by Global NCAP for the South African market, under the crash test agency’s stricter protocols. And it’s disappointing to report that its safety rating has been revised from three stars to one star. Even the rating for child occupants has seen a reduction from three stars to two stars. 

The Maruti Suzuki Eritga was crash tested by Global NCAP back in 2019 where it secured an average three stars. But it must be noted that Global NCAP introduced stricter protocols in July 2022 and hence, the Ertiga put out a disappointing show this time around. 

The Ertiga secured 23.63 out of 34 for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 19.4 out of 49 for Child Occupant Protection (COP) in the latest round. Here’s a quick comparison of the scores of the current and previous tests of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga:

Adult Occupant Protection 

In the frontal impact test, the Ertiga offered good protection to both the front occupant’s head and neck. While the driver’s chest received marginal protection, the same for the co-driver was rated as good. Both the occupants' knees had marginal shieling and they could come in contact with structures behind the dashboard. The tibias of both the driver and co-driver received adequate protection. 

In the side impact test, the Ertiga offered good protection to the head, abdomen and pelvis. However, the chest’s shielding was rated as adequate. The side pole impact test wasn’t conducted as the Ertiga doesn’t offer curtain airbags. 

Lastly, the footwell area and body shell was rated as unstable, with the latter unable to take further load. 

Child Occupant Protection 

Both the child seats for the 3-year old and 18-month old dummies were placed in a forward facing position using the ISOFIX mounts and top tethers. While the seat was able to prevent head exposure or the 3-year old dummy during the frontal impact test, protection for its chest and neck were limited. 

On the other hand, the 18-month dummy didn’t fare well as it wasn’t able to prevent high speed deceleration. As a result, it received poor shielding  for its chest and neck. However in the side impact test, both the child dummies received full protection. 

Global NCAP also pointed out that the Ertiga doesn’t get three-point seat belts for all occupants. It also noted that there isn’t possibility to disconnect the co-driver’s airbag in case you want to place the child seat in the front passenger seat. The installation also failed for the last row and the middle seat in the second row. 

Maruti Suzuki Eritga: Safety Features Onboard 

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga tested by Global NCAP once again seemed to be the base variant as it came with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control and ISOFIX child-seat mounts. Higher-end variants of the Maruti Eritga further come with side airbags, taking the total count to four. 

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Price And Verdict

It’s indeed sad to see the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga score such a disappointing score, especially considering it is one of the best selling MPVs in India. We hope Maruti takes action to make it a safer offering. 

Prices of the MPV in India range from Rs 8.69 lakh to Rs 13.03 lakh (ex-showroom). It locks horns with the Renault Triber, Kia Carens and can be considered as an affordable alternative to the Toyota Innova Crysta.