The India-made Maruti Suzuki Baleno has received a 2-star safety rating in the latest Latin NCAP crash tests, according to the official assessment published in December 2025. The tested model was equipped
with six airbags and manufactured in India specifically for Latin American markets. Latin NCAP evaluated the Baleno across adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection, as well as safety assist categories. While the hatchback demonstrated stable structural integrity and acceptable performance in several areas, the overall score reflects limitations in active safety technologies and pedestrian protection performance, as detailed in the official crash test report.
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India-Made Maruti Suzuki Baleno: Adult Occupant Protection
In the adult occupant protection category, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno scored 79%, translating to 31.75 points. The frontal offset crash test showed good protection for the head and neck of both driver and passenger, while chest protection was rated adequate. Knee protection was assessed as marginal due to potential contact with underlying structures. Side impact and side pole tests delivered good to adequate protection across key body regions. Latin NCAP also confirmed that the bodyshell was stable and capable of withstanding further loads, and rear whiplash protection was rated good.
India-Made Maruti Suzuki Baleno: Child Occupant Safety Results
For child occupant protection, the Baleno achieved 65% with 32.08 points. The vehicle was tested using rearward-facing child restraint systems installed via ISOFIX anchorages with support legs. Protection levels for both the 18-month-old and 3-year-old child dummies were rated high during frontal and side impact tests. However, the installation assessment revealed limitations in certain seating positions, which impacted the final score. The car meets i-Size requirements and offers ISOFIX anchorages as standard on applicable seats.
India-Made Maruti Suzuki Baleno: Pedestrian Protection And Safety Assist
The pedestrian protection score stood at 48%, with the Baleno meeting UN127 pedestrian safety regulations. While lower leg protection was rated good, upper leg and A-pillar areas showed weaker performance. The safety assist score was 58%, supported by standard electronic stability control (ESC) and seat belt reminders for all seats. However, the absence of advanced systems such as autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, blind spot detection, as well as speed assist significantly limited the score.
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Test Details And Market Applicability
The tested Baleno was a five-door hatchback, which weighed about 1,213 kg. The results are valid for Latin NCAP markets only and do not automatically apply to India-spec models sold domestically. Latin NCAP noted that continued improvements in active safety systems would be required to achieve higher ratings in future evaluations.
