The India-spec Maruti Suzuki Ignis has got a 1-star rating overall under the new and upgraded Global NCAP crash test protocol for India. The high riding hatchback received poor scores for the side impact and child protection tests.
- The Ignis scored 1 star for adult protection
- It scored 3.86 points out of 49 in child occupant protection
- Global NCAP has rated the body shell of the Ignis as unstable
Maruti Suzuki Ignis: adult occupant crash test rating
Under the new testing protocols, the Ignis has received 1-star rating overall, scoring 16.48 points in the adult occupant protection test out of a maximum of 34 points. Testers commented that the protection offered to the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck was good. However, the driver’s chest showed weak protection, while the passenger’s chest showed adequate protection.
The testers also noted that the driver’s and passenger’s knees showed marginal protection as they could come in contact with dangerous structures behind the dashboard. Meanwhile, the Ignis’ body shell was rated as unstable and incapable of withstanding further loadings. This finding is quite similar to the crash test of the pre-facelift 2019 Ignis. This model was previously tested for the African market by Global NCAP, where it received an average 3-star rating. However, it was not subjected to tests for side impact, safety assist systems or pedestrian protection.
As per the new testing procedure, during the side impact tests with a deformable barrier, the Ignis scored 6.91 points out of a possible 17. Testers noted that during this test, the driver's head protection was weak, chest protection was poor, abdomen protection was adequate and pelvis protection was good. Meanwhile, the new side pole impact test was not conducted as the Ignis does not have head protection even as an option. Not only does the Ignis lack ESC as standard, it also does not comply with the new pedestrian safety norms, both of which are now part of GNCAP protocols.
Maruti Suzuki Ignis: child occupant crash test rating
When it comes to child occupant protection, the Ignis scored 3.86 points out of a possible 49. The hatchback achieved a CRS (child restrain system) installation score of 3.86 points and zero points each for the dynamic score and vehicle assessment score.
The Ignis was tested with an 18-month-old and a 3-year-old child dummy, with the latter sitting in a rear facing child seat, and the former being a forward facing one. For both child dummies, the child seats were able to prevent head exposure, thereby offering good protection.
The Ignis gets ISOFIX anchorages as standard on the two outboard rear seats, and it also lacks a three-point seat belt for the rear middle passenger.
Maruti Suzuki Ignis: price, rivals
Maruti Suzuki launched the Ignis back in 2017 and it received a facelift in 2020, when it also received a BS6-compliant 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine. With prices starting at Rs 5.35 lakh and going up to Rs 7.72 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Ignis competes with the likes of the Citroen C3 and the Tata Punch.
Uday Singh
Lenny D'sa
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
