Made-in-India Suzuki Ignis Scores 3-star Global NCAP Rating

• It secured moderately average scores in the adult and children protection categories.
• An unstable bodyshell cost the Ignis dearly in the crash test.
• The Indian and African-spec Ignis is identical aside from the seatbelt warning indicator present on the Indian model.
• In India, the Ignis competes against the likes of the Ford Freestyle and the Hyundai Grand i10.

The made-in-India Suzuki Ignis sold in African markets has achieved a 3-star rating in the Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) crash test. The safety rating comes across as moderately adequate despite the Ignis getting modern safety features. It is worth noting that the African spec Ignis is identical to the Indian spec Ignis aside from the fact that the Indian spec Ignis has a seat-belt warning indicator which isn’t present on the African model.

The first thing which affected the Ignis’ safety rating was the structural integrity of its body shell. The body shell was rated unstable and unable to take more than one crash. The Ignis is already equipped with safety features like ABS, EBD, dual front airbags, and ISOFIX child-seat anchor points as standard.

In the ‘Adult Occupant Protection’ category, the Ignis scored a 3-star rating. It scored well in front passenger safety but lost out with inadequate protection for the driver’s chest and marginal protection for the driver’s knees. In the ‘Child Protection’ category it scored a poor 1-star rating. Although it provided adequate head and chest protection, it lost out  crucially due a lack of 3-point belt harness in all seating positions along with Suzuki unable to recommend a specific Child Restraint System . 

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The crash test results of the African-spec Ignis are in no way indicative of the India-spec model’s safety. Even though it may be the same spec car aside from the India spec car getting a seat-belt reminder feature, safety requirements in both markets are different and Maruti/Suzuki may need to make specific changes to their cars to meet them. The Ignis currently rivals the likes of the Ford Freestyle and the Hyundai Grand i10 in the Indian market.