India-bound Suzuki Ignis awarded 5-star safety rating by Euro NCAP

In the latest round of crash test ratings for 2016 revealed by Euro NCAP today, India-bound Suzuki Ignis has scored a three-star rating for its standard safety equipment variant, and a five-star rating for the variant with the optional safety pack.

Both the models of the Ignis feature frontal airbags for driver and passenger along-with side head, chest and pelvis airbags at the front. Meanwhile, the full safety equipped variant features AEB for city and inter-urban transport.

“The passenger compartment of the Ignis remained stable in the offset deformable frontal impact test. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger. Suzuki showed that a similar level of protection would be provided to occupants of different sizes and those sat in different positions,” said an official statement from Euro NCAP on the Ignis’ results.

“Compression of the driver dummy's chest indicated weak protection of this part of the body and injury parameters for the lower legs revealed marginal protection. In the full width rigid barrier test, protection of the chest was rated as marginal for both the driver and rear passenger side dummy, as was the head protection for the rear dummy. In the side barrier impact, the Ignis scored full points with good protection of all critical body regions. Even in the more severe side pole test, protection of the chest was adequate and that of other body areas was good. Tests on the front seats and head restraints revealed good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision, as did a geometric assessment of the rear seats. The Ignis has low-speed autonomous emergency braking as part of its optional 'Dual Camera Brake Support' safety pack. The results of that system are not included in this assessment,” it added.

The premium hatchback, which is slated for launch in India early next year will be sold through the Nexa dealership. Maruti is expected to launch the Ignis with two engine options (a modified version of the 1.2-litre K-series petrol engine that currently services the Swift and the Baleno, and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine) and two transmission options (a manual and a CVT).

Meanwhile, the Audi Q2, Hyundai Ioniq, Ford Edge and the SsangYong Tivoli all underwent Euro NCAP’s rigorous safety testing and, of the five cars, two were tested under the dual rating system. The dual rating also applies to the Tivoli’s partner model, the SsangYong XLV.

The Ford Edge, Audi Q2, and Hyundai Ioniq all received the maximum 5 stars for safety with standard equipment. The SsangYong Tivoli (and partner model XLV) received a base rating of 3 stars with standard equipment only, and 4 stars when tested with the optional safety pack.