Pablo Luna
For a vehicle that has an elegant design, offers exceptional performance, and be a comfy interior is one thing but for it to be referred to as safe to ride is a different thing. The 1st Suzuki Baleno was introduced into the European market in 2016. To make the Baleno hatchback more relevant in its small-cars category, it was made roomier and extra efficient.
After the launch of this hatchback, many questions were raised concerning its safety rating. Even though it has been upgraded and more safety features included, Baleno at first missed critical security features like Lane Departure Warning System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Knee airbags, and Collision avoidance system.
At first, the Baleno received a disappointing 25% score in the Safety Assist category from Euro NCAP further deepening its safety concerns.
Suzuki Baleno Euro NCAP Tests Results
Euro NCAP was introduced in 2009 and covers four important areas: Adult occupant protection, Vulnerable Road Users, Child occupant protection, and Safety Assist.
After the tests, Vulnerable Road Users was rated at 65 percent and Adult Occupant Protection stood at 85 percent which is impressive compared to its competitors. Tests on the Safety Assist systems registered the lowest mark of 25 percent. But for the new Baleno model which has additional safety features like a high rigid underbody, dual SRS airbags, and ISOFIX, Its Safety Assist rating now stands at 43 percent.
During recent tests in India, the Suzuki Baleno received a three-star rating indicating it has “average to good occupant protection but misses on crash avoidance technology”. In Europe, Baleno which has 6 airbags received a 4-star rating for its good safety technology pack. This is contrary to the Indian trim which is equipped with only three airbags.
According to the NCAP report, the frontal offset test shows the passenger compartment is stable. The knees of both the passenger and driver are well protected if the signs from the dummies are worth believing.
From the rigid barrier tests, the driver’s chest shows good protection. However, dummy readings indicated marginal chest compression which can neither be ruled as good nor adequate. Side barrier tests showed good protection on the dummies but the head was poorly protected. Side curtain airbags did not offer protection as was intended.
Suzuki Baleno Safety Features
The new Baleno safety feature list comprises several good safety tech advancements incorporated into its systems. But still with all these features, how reliable and safe the Suzuki Baleno is baffled many drivers. To enhance trust, Baleno’s full-frontal impact and frontal-offset impact as well as the side-impact assessment is now compliant with International Safety standards.
To reduce impact in case of an accident to the occupants, Baleno has utilized the use of high-tensile steel to absorb and disperse shock. By using Suzuki’s High-Tech Body design, Baleno’s body is now extra light, stronger and safer.
ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorages are included to take away the driver’s stress on the safety of the child. Other safety features in the new model are Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Anti-lock Braking System, and SRS airbags on the front and sides.
Conclusion
For a car of this size and the price sold, the safety and security features included are worth it. In general, Suzuki Baleno cannot be ruled as unsafe to the driver and passenger and the standards cannot be compared to that of large cars like Mitsubishi Xpander and Honda Odyssey.
