Suzuki’s 7-seater MPV, the Ertiga scored a passing 3 out of 5 stars for crash safety at the latest Global New Car Assessment or NCAP tests.

The model tested, a right-hand drive vehicle built for the Indian market and fitted with dual SRS airbags and anti-lock brakes scored 9.25 out 17 in adult protection, and 25.16 out of 49 in child occupant protection. Global NCAP said that head and neck protection for adult occupants was good. Chest protection for passenger was good, and driver chest received marginal protection.

That said, the passenger pretensioner failed to work properly, and the child occupant protection showed poor results (poor protection for head and chest) for the 18-month old dummy with the CRS (Child Restraint System) installed forward facing, while global best practice indicates a rearward facing position offers better protection for this age group. Global NCAP also noted that the Ertiga tested doesn’t offer three-point belts for all occupants.

Most concerning of all though, Global NCAP said that the Ertiga’s body structure, the HEARTECT platform is noted for its “borderline unstable performance which can and should be improved.” Because of this, the Ertiga’s footwell area was rated as unstable and pedals displacement showed risks to the lower legs of the driver.