In the latest round of GNCAP crash tests, the Maruti Ertiga has been crash tested and scored a 1-star rating. Do note, the crash test was conducted as a part of the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign. The Renault Triber was also tested (Made-in-India Renault Triber rated 2 stars in latest GNCAP tests).
GNCAP Official Comments:
Quote:
| Frontal Impact: – For the 3-year-old child seat, installed forward-facing using ISOFIX anchorages and a top tether, the seat successfully prevented head exposure during the frontal impact. However, neck and chest protection were limited. – For the 18-month-old child seat, also installed forward-facing using ISOFIX anchorages and a top tether, the seat failed to prevent high deceleration, resulting in poor protection for the head, chest, and neck during the frontal impact. Side Impact: – Both Child Restraint Systems (CRS) offered full protection during side impact tests. Additional Concerns: – The car does not provide 3-point seat belts in all seating positions as standard. – While there is a warning about using a rearward-facing CRS in the front passenger seat, the car does not have the option to disconnect the passenger airbag if a rearward-facing CRS is installed in this position. – CRS installation failed for the central position and for both positions of the larger CRS in the third row. |
The India-made Ertiga, equipped with two frontal airbags as standard, demonstrated varied performance in different safety aspects. The vehicle’s structure was rated as borderline unstable, and the footwell area was deemed unstable, with pedal displacement indicating injury risks to the driver’s lower legs. However, adult occupant protection was mostly positive. The head and neck protection for adult occupants was rated as good, with the passenger’s chest receiving good protection and the driver’s chest receiving marginal protection.
In side impact tests, the Ertiga provided good protection for the head, pelvis, and abdomen, while chest protection was adequate. Notably, the Ertiga does not offer side airbags, even as an option. A significant concern was the failure of the passenger pretensioner to work properly.
Child occupant protection was rated as poor for the 18-month-old dummy, primarily because the Child Restraint System (CRS) was installed in a forward-facing position, contrary to best practice guidelines that recommend a rearward-facing position for better protection. Despite this, side impact protection for child occupants was rated as good.
The Ertiga only offers a lap belt in the rear center position, contributing to a significant loss of points in child occupant protection. Additionally, the inability to disconnect the passenger airbag when a rearward-facing CRS is installed in the front seat further compromised child safety. On a positive note, the Ertiga comes with standard ISOFIX anchorages.
