Maruti Ignis (3-Star NCAP) Hit By Truck, Keeps Occupants SAFE

Maruti Suzuki is the largest car manufacturer in India and has held an iron grip in terms of market share since it launched the Maruti 800 way back in 1983. Maruti has made its reputation by providing value-for-money products and a peerless aftersales network. It doesn’t matter where you live, a Maruti service centre will be within half an hour from you. But recently the auto giant has faced quite a lot of criticism because of its vehicles’ safety during accidents. The S-Presso scored a shocking zero stars during the Global NCAP test, the international benchmark for crash safety tests. Sometimes though, a simulated crash test may not tell the full story, as we can see from this Maruti Ignis accident. 

The Maruti Ignis is what the brand calls a “micro SUV”, but it is more like a small hatchback with a raised ride height, just like its arch rival Mahindra KUv100. As you can see in the picture above, this Ignis had an unlucky day as it hit an oncoming truck at speeds of around 70-80 kmph. It hit the truck with the front-end on the passenger side and has suffered quite a lot of damage. The passenger side of the headlamp has broken while the bumper, bonnet, and fender has crumpled to absorb the damage with the windscreen shattered as well. Thankfully, it stopped there as there are no other signs of damage aft of the windscreen.

Global NCAP tested the South African version of the Maruti Ignis, which is produced in India. It managed to score 3 stars for adult safety and a dismal solitary star for child protection. Though it may not be the exact version that is sold in India, it still gives a satisfactory baseline for the vehicle. 

Prices for the Maruti Ignis start from Rs 4.89 lakh for the base Sigma trim and goes up to Rs 7.19 lakh for the top Alpha AMT variant. Do note all prices are ex-showroom. It is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine that makes 83 PS and 113 Nm of peak power and torque figures respectively. You can pair the engine with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT transmission.