Maruti Suzuki has significantly enhanced the safety of its popular Baleno hatchback, now offering six airbags as a standard feature across all variants.
Baleno Gets a Major Safety Boost
Following closely on the heels of Toyota’s Glanza receiving a similar upgrade, Maruti Suzuki has updated the Baleno to include six airbags on every trim level. Previously, this crucial safety feature was only available on the higher-end Zeta and Alpha variants.
This upgrade means that even the base Sigma and Delta trims of the Baleno will now come equipped with six airbags, providing enhanced protection for all occupants. Maruti has indicated that this update will lead to a modest price increase of approximately 0.5 percent across the range.
Beyond the new airbag count, the Baleno continues to offer a comprehensive suite of safety features. These include Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with hill hold assist, three-point seatbelts with reminders for all passengers, brake assist, and ISOFIX anchorages for child seats. The top-spec Alpha trim also boasts a convenient 360-degree camera.
Under the hood, the Baleno retains its reliable 90hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. For those seeking fuel efficiency, a factory-fitted CNG kit remains an option on the Delta and Zeta trims.
Maruti’s Commitment to Standard Safety
The Baleno’s safety upgrade is part of a broader, ongoing initiative by Maruti Suzuki to enhance standard safety features across its entire product lineup. Several other popular models have already received the six-airbag standard, including the Alto, Wagon R, Celerio, and even the Eeco.
Earlier this year, Maruti Suzuki chairman R C Bhargava publicly stated the company’s ambitious goal: to equip all its vehicles with six airbags as standard by the end of 2024. This commitment underscores a significant shift towards prioritizing occupant safety across all price points.
What’s Next for Maruti’s Safety Drive?
As the year progresses, a few Maruti Suzuki models are still awaiting the standard six-airbag update. These include the Ertiga, Fronx, Ignis, S-Presso, and XL6. It’s anticipated that the Ertiga, a popular MPV, might be the next in line to receive this crucial safety upgrade, with whispers of a potential 1.4 percent price hike accompanying the change.
- Maruti Baleno now features six airbags as standard across all variants.
- This update will lead to a small price increase of around 0.5 percent.
- Lower-spec Sigma and Delta trims benefit significantly from the new safety standard.
- Maruti Suzuki is committed to equipping all its models with six airbags by the end of 2024.
This push for enhanced safety features reflects a growing industry trend and addresses increasing consumer awareness regarding vehicle occupant protection.
