New Maruti Suzuki Alto Scores 2 Stars In Latest Global NCAP Crash Tests

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10, one of India's best-selling cars, has received a disappointing 2-star rating in the latest round of crash tests conducted by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP) under the Safer cars for India campaign. The tests were conducted on the Alto's standard variant, which is sold with dual airbags, ABS, seat belt reminder and seat belt pretensioners.

The Alto K10 scored 21.67 points out of a possible 34 in adult occupant protection. The protection offered to the driver’s head and neck was good. Driver’s and passenger’s chest area were offered marginal protection. Though the footwell area was rated as unstable, the overall bodyshell was rated as stable and capable of withstanding further loadings which is a big plus point, given the small footprint of the car.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Crash Tested, Results Out!

On the child occupant safety, the Alto K10 score just 3.52 points out of a possible 49. The child seat for the 3 year old was installed facing forward using the adult seatbelt and was not able to prevent excessive forward movement during the impact exposing the head to high risk of injuries.

The 18 month old CRS was installed using the adult seatbelt facing the rear showing good protection for the head and weak protection to the chest. The vehicle does not offer standard ISOFIX and top tether anchorages. The Passenger airbag cannot be disconnected in the case of a CRS installed in the front passenger position.

The new Alto K10 was launched in 2022 with big changes to the car being made. While we are happy to see that the bodyshell was rated stable, there is a lot of work to be done and Maruti Suzuki certainly has come a long way. It has to be noted here that the cars were subjected to the more stringent crash test norms which came into effect in June 2022.