Maruti Suzuki Ignis gets 1-star Global NCAP rating
In a distressing revelation, the hatchback has garnered a disheartening zero-star rating for child occupant protection, exhibiting dismal performance under the stringent scrutiny of new safety protocols. This alarming assessment calls for urgent attention and underscores the imperative of prioritizing the well-being of our precious little ones on the road.
In a deeply concerning development, the India-spec Maruti Suzuki Ignis has received an overall 1-star rating, following the implementation of the new and enhanced Global NCAP crash test protocol tailored for India. This high-riding hatchback’s performance in the side impact and child protection tests has been distressingly subpar.
The Ignis, tragically, only earned 1 star for adult protection, emphasizing a stark vulnerability. Equally disheartening is its meager score of 3.86 out of 49 in child occupant protection, revealing a glaring lapse in safeguarding our most precious passengers.
Compounding the distress, Global NCAP has deemed the body shell of the Ignis as unstable, underscoring a critical need for immediate attention and improvements in ensuring the safety and security of all occupants on the road.
Maruti Suzuki Ignis: adult occupant crash test rating
In a stark revelation under the stringent new testing protocols, the Ignis has garnered an overall 1-star rating, achieving a modest 16.48 points in the adult occupant protection test out of a possible 34 points. Testers commend the commendable protection afforded to the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck, but the vulnerability of the driver’s chest and the modest defense of the passenger’s chest are disconcerting.
Adding to the distress, testers highlight a precarious situation for the driver’s and passenger’s knees, expressing concern that they could potentially come into contact with hazardous structures behind the dashboard. As if these revelations weren’t disheartening enough, the Ignis’ body shell has been labeled as unstable, unable to withstand additional loadings—a distressing finding reminiscent of the pre-facelift 2019 Ignis crash test.
This dismaying discovery draws eerie parallels to the previous test for the African market, where the 2019 Ignis received an average 3-star rating from Global NCAP. Notably, that evaluation did not include tests for side impact, safety assist systems, or pedestrian protection. The Ignis’ current safety standing raises urgent emotional concerns, urging immediate attention and improvements for the well-being of those behind the wheel and in the passenger seat.
​Under the latest testing procedure, the Ignis faced side impact trials with a deformable barrier, managing only 6.91 points out of a potential 17. Testers observed glaring weaknesses in the driver’s head protection, coupled with poor chest protection, leaving a distressing vulnerability. While the abdomen received adequate shielding and the pelvis was deemed secure, the Ignis raised further concern by forgoing the new side pole impact test altogether—primarily because it lacks any form of head protection, even as an option.
The unsettling reality doesn’t end there; the Ignis falls short on multiple safety fronts. Not only does it lack Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as a standard feature, a critical safeguard in modern vehicles, but it also fails to meet the new pedestrian safety norms, both of which are now integral components of the GNCAP protocols. This emotional revelation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive safety overhaul in the Ignis, echoing the call for enhanced protective measures that every driver and pedestrian rightfully deserves.
Also Check – Best EVs launching in 2024
Maruti Suzuki Ignis: child occupant crash test rating
In the critical realm of safeguarding our little ones, the Ignis paints a distressing picture, scoring a mere 3.86 points out of a potential 49 in child occupant protection. The hatchback’s performance is underscored by a Child Restraint System (CRS) installation score of 3.86 points, accompanied by disheartening zero points each for the dynamic and vehicle assessment scores.
During testing, the Ignis faced the scrutiny of an 18-month-old and a 3-year-old child dummy, with the latter secured in a rear-facing child seat and the former in a forward-facing one. While both child seats managed to shield the dummies from head exposure, providing a semblance of good protection, the overall child occupant safety performance remains a cause for emotional concern.
Adding to the distress, the Ignis includes ISOFIX anchorages as a standard feature on the two outer rear seats, yet it falls short by lacking a three-point seat belt for the rear middle passenger—an omission that leaves an emotional void in the comprehensive safety measures desperately needed for our precious little passengers.
Maruti Suzuki Ignis: price, rivals
In a nostalgic journey through time, Maruti Suzuki unveiled the Ignis in 2017, a car that became an emblem of style and performance. The year 2020 marked a significant chapter in its evolution, bringing forth a rejuvenating facelift accompanied by the introduction of a BS6-compliant 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine. This upgrade not only enhanced its power but also reinforced its commitment to environmental standards.
Priced between the heartfelt range of Rs 5.35 lakh and Rs 7.72 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Ignis stands as a testament to affordable luxury. Its spirited presence in the automotive arena puts it in direct competition with formidable counterparts like the Citroen C3 and the Tata Punch, creating an emotional connection for enthusiasts who seek not just a car but a companion on the road of memories.​