India’s car consumers are slowly starting to care about crash test ratings. Despite this, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno remains a winner in the premium hatchback segment. Its latest Bharat NCAP ratings haven’t kept buyers away, and some very relevant questions about what Indian buyers want most in a car are begging to be asked.
Brand trust of Maruti Suzuki, little maintenance, and solid resale value are still prime reasons why most buyers ignore safety concerns. Here is how Baleno performs in various aspects even though it has a good crash test performance.
Engine and Crash Test Performance
The Baleno was recently subjected to Bharat NCAP crash testing. Two variants were tested—2 airbags and 6 airbags. In adult safety, the 6-airbag model scored 26.52 out of 32 and the 2-airbag model scored 24.02. Both scored the same in child occupant protection: 34.81 out of 49, making it a 3-star rating in this class.
During the frontal offset crash test, the two versions scored 11.54 out of 16. The side movable barrier test threw a twist the 2-airbag version actually scored higher, 14.99, versus 12.50 for the 6-airbag version. As impressive as these figures are, neither version went on to earn a 5-star overall rating, much to the dismay of safety-conscious buyers.
Mileage and Efficiency
Although mileage was not the aim of the crash test, fuel efficiency remains a major Baleno strength. It is an area where Maruti consistently offers value, and this is a big factor in the car’s ongoing success in the market. Most customers are happy to trade off some safety for the benefit of low-cost, reliable, and efficient performance.
Features Beyond the Numbers
The test Baleno variants featured contemporary safety technologies. They come with features such as hill hold assist, electronic stability control (ESC), and ABS with EBD. ISOFIX child seat mounts, a 360-degree camera, reverse parking sensors, and three-point seatbelts for all occupants are included. Automatic door locking according to vehicle speed and high-speed warnings are part of the package. These enhance its value, especially for city driving and low-end premium hatchback expectations.
Price Tag That Still Attracts Buyers
Despite average safety ratings, the Baleno remains a bestseller in the market. Pricing starts at ₹6.70 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to ₹9.42 lakh for the fully loaded version. For this segment, such a price range is competitive, especially with the added features and fuel efficiency it offers. Many buyers still see this as a worthwhile trade-off, especially given Maruti’s wide service network and overall cost of ownership.
