Baleno: Journey from 4star to 5star

Baleno (2022 onwards) recently achieved a 4-star safety rating in the Global NCAP (GNCAP) crash tests. That’s a significant improvement for a hatchback in its segment. However, to elevate this rating from 4 stars to 5 stars, Maruti Suzuki needs to address several engineering and equipment gaps. Here's a breakdown:

🔧 STRUCTURAL & ENGINEERING UPGRADES

1. Improve Bodyshell Integrity

Issue: The bodyshell was rated as stable, but only marginally so under high loads.

Fix: Use higher tensile strength steel, improve weld quality, and increase crumple zone absorption capacity to withstand more severe impacts without deforming.

2. Side Impact Protection

Issue: Side impact protection is limited or optional in lower variants.

Fix: Add side and curtain airbags as standard, and improve door intrusion beams to perform better in side-impact scenarios.

3. Enhance Child Occupant Protection

Issue: Child occupant safety often lags due to poor ISOFIX anchorage implementation or weak restraint systems.

Fix:

Use i-Size ISOFIX mounts with better labeling.

Offer top tether anchors.

Provide recommended CRS (child restraint system) data for parents.

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⚙️ ACTIVE & PASSIVE SAFETY TECH UPGRADES

4. Standard ESC (Electronic Stability Control)

Issue: ESC is optional or not standard across all variants.

Fix: Make ESC standard across the range — this is mandatory for a 5-star Euro NCAP rating and highly recommended by GNCAP.

5. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Fix: Introduce basic ADAS features like:

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

Lane Departure Warning

Driver Attention Alert

While not required for GNCAP right now, ADAS features are increasingly expected in 5-star cars globally.

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📊 TESTING STRATEGY & VARIANT SELECTION

6. Send Top Variant for Testing

Many automakers get 5-star results by sending fully loaded variants with all safety features enabled. Maruti should:

Equip 6 airbags as standard (or at least on the test variant)

Ensure seatbelt reminders for all passengers

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🚗 COMPARISON WITH 5-STAR MODELS

Look at Tata Altroz or Volkswagen Polo (previously tested):

They succeeded by combining strong structure, ESC, and full airbag sets.

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🔄 Summary of What to Upgrade

Area Current (4-star) Upgrade for 5-star

Bodyshell Stable, marginally so Reinforced with better materials

Airbags Dual front Add side + curtain (6 total)

ESC Optional in some variants Standard across all variants

ISOFIX & CRS Basic i-Size standard + top tether + better CRS

Side Impact Protection Not tested/weak Reinforced side beams

Seatbelt Reminders Front only Rear as well

ADAS (optional) Absent Basic AEB & LDW (if possible)