“It is very disappointing that Maruti Suzuki, the manufacturer with the largest share of the Indian market, offers such low safety performance for Indian consumers. Domestic manufacturers like Mahindra and Tata have demonstrated high levels of safety and protection for their customers, both achieving five-star performance. Surely, it’s time for Maruti Suzuki to demonstrate this commitment to safety for its customers?” quipped Alejandro Furas, Secretary General of Global NCAP.

The S-Presso achieved zero stars for adult occupant protection (AOP) and two stars for child occupant protection (COP).

According to the Global NCAP, the high readings (poor rating) in the passenger neck explain the zero-star result. However, chest loadings in both front passengers were high (poor or weak rating) and in more updated protocols could also lead to a red chest, and a zero-star rating for this reason as well. Moreover, the S-Presso’s structure was rated as unstable, and should be improved. Its footwell area was rated as unstable as well. 

Child occupant protection showed poor results for both child dummies in the dynamic test explained by the poor performance of the restraint systems. The car does not offer 3-point belts in all positions as standard and has no ISOFIX anchorages for the Child Restraint Systems (CRS).