The Maruti Ertiga, a popular MPV in India, has suffered a significant blow to its safety reputation. In the recently concluded Global NCAP crash test for the South African market, the India-made Ertiga scored a shockingly low one-star rating for adult safety and two stars for child safety. This is a stark contrast to its previous three-star rating for both adult and child safety when tested under older protocols in 2019.
The results of the crash test are deeply concerning. The car’s structure was deemed unstable, and the footwell area was found to be unsafe, posing serious risks to the driver’s lower legs. While head and neck protection for adult occupants was rated as good, the chest received only marginal protection for the driver and good protection for the passenger.
Side impact tests showed mixed results. While the Ertiga offered good protection for the head, pelvis, and abdomen, chest protection was merely adequate. The absence of even optional side airbags is a glaring omission. A major safety lapse was the failure of the passenger pretensioner, a critical component for occupant safety.
Child safety was another area of grave concern. The Ertiga’s poor rating for the 18-month-old dummy was primarily attributed to the forward-facing installation of the child restraint system (CRS), which contradicts recommended safety practices. Despite this, side impact protection for children was rated as good.
The lack of a three-point seat belt in the rear center position and the inability to disconnect the passenger airbag when a rearward-facing CRS is installed further compounded the child safety issues. Although the Ertiga comes equipped with ISOFIX anchorages, these were not enough to offset the other shortcomings.
Deep Dive into the Crash Test Results
Frontal Impact:
- The three-year-old child seat, installed forward-facing using ISOFIX and a top tether, offered some protection but fell short in safeguarding the neck and chest.
- The 18-month-old child seat, similarly installed, failed to prevent excessive deceleration, leading to poor head, chest, and neck protection.
Side Impact:
- Both child restraint systems provided adequate protection during side impacts.
Additional Safety Concerns:
- The Ertiga lacks standard three-point seat belts in all seating positions.
- While there’s a warning about rearward-facing CRS in the front passenger seat, the car doesn’t allow disconnecting the passenger airbag.
- ISOFIX anchorages were ineffective in the central position and for the larger CRS in the third row.
A Call for Improvement
The Maruti Ertiga’s dismal performance in the Global NCAP crash test is a wake-up call for the automaker. It is imperative that Maruti Suzuki takes immediate steps to address the identified safety issues and prioritize the protection of occupants, especially children.
The car buying public must also be aware of these findings and demand safer vehicles. The Global NCAP rating should be a crucial factor in car purchasing decisions. Only through consumer pressure can automakers be compelled to prioritize safety.
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