Big Safety Upgrade for Popular Cars
Maruti Suzuki has made a big move to keep drivers and passengers safer. Starting July 16, 2025, all variants of the Maruti Baleno hatchback and Ertiga MPV now come with six airbags as standard. This is a huge step up from the earlier dual airbags in lower trims, making these cars some of the safest in their class. Maruti is responding to growing demand for better safety features in India.
Why Six Airbags Matter
The six airbags include front, side, and curtain airbags, offering better protection in crashes. This upgrade aligns with new government rules that will require six airbags in all new passenger cars by October 2025. The Baleno recently earned a 4-star Bharat NCAP rating with six airbags, while the Ertiga is still awaiting its Bharat NCAP test but scored a 1-star rating in a Global NCAP test for the South African market.
Small Price Hike for Big Safety
With the added airbags, prices have gone up slightly. The Baleno’s price has increased by 0.5%, now ranging from Rs 6.74 lakh to Rs 9.96 lakh. The Ertiga sees a 1.4% hike, with prices between Rs 8.96 lakh and Rs 13.25 lakh (ex-showroom). These small increases make the cars a great value for families wanting safer rides.
Other Safety Features
Besides airbags, both cars come with:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Rear parking sensors and camera (select trims)
Power and Features Unchanged
The Baleno keeps its 1.2-liter petrol engine (90 PS) with CNG options, while the Ertiga uses a 1.5-liter petrol engine (103 PS) with mild-hybrid and CNG variants. Features like touchscreen infotainment and auto AC remain the same, keeping these cars practical and safe.
Model | Price Range (Ex-Showroom) | Engine | Safety Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Baleno | Rs 6.74 lakh – Rs 9.96 lakh | 1.2L Petrol, CNG | 4-star Bharat NCAP (6 airbags) |
Ertiga | Rs 8.96 lakh – Rs 13.25 lakh | 1.5L Petrol, CNG | 1-star Global NCAP (South Africa) |