Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Gets 2 Stars in 2023 Global NCAP Crash Test

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 has scored a 2-star adult occupant safety rating during the latest round of the Global NCAP crash test. Whereas, it has secured 0 stars for the child occupant protection. Global NCAP is an independent body that promotes road safety and appraises road cars in crash tests. Apart from the Alto K10, the watchdog also crash tested the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, the Volkswagen Virtus, and the Skoda Slavia. These were among the first models to undergo crash testing by NCAP this year. Maruti Suzuki relaunched the Alto K10 in India in August 2022. The third-generation model made a comeback into the brand's portfolio after a 3-year hiatus. The new Alto K10 is based on the Heartect platform, similar to the one used in the Celerio and the S-Presso. It has been updated to meet both the emission and safety norms, according to the manufacturer. 

Also Read: Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia Get 5-star Crash Test Rating: Watch Video

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: Adult Occupant Crash Test Results 

In the Adult Occupant Protection, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 received 21.67 points out of 34 points. The autonomous body evaluates frontal and side impact protection for all tested models. In a frontal offset deformable barrier test, the NCAP awarded the Alto K10 with 8.2 points. According to its report, GNCAP rated the new model 'good' in terms of head and neck protection for both driver and passenger (occupants), but chest protection was termed as 'marginal' for both. The occupants' knees showed marginal to poor protection and could smash with dangerous structures in the dashboard. 

Coming to the side impact test, the Alto K10 offered 'good' protection to the head and pelvis. The abdomen was adequately protected, but chest protection was poor. Also, the footwell area and bodyshell were stable and could withstand additional loads. In all, the Alto K10 scored 12.4 points in Global NCAP's side impact test.   

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: Child Occupant Crash Test Results 

As far as child occupant protection goes, the Alto K10 scored just 3.52 points out of 49 points, including only the child restraint system (CRS) installation points. While it receives 0 points for the dynamic score. For testing the model, the testing company used a 3-year-old child dummy that was positioned on forward facing child seats with adult seatbelts. During the test, the child seats were not able to prevent high-risk head injuries. In addition, the 18-month-old child dummy was also tested. This dummy was placed on rear facing child seats with adult seatbelts, which provided good protection for the head, but weak protection for chest. 

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: Where does it lag?

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 lacks recommended child restraint systems and three-point seat belts for all passengers. Besides, it does not come with standard ISOFIX child seat anchorages. All these reasons contributed to its zero rating for child occupancy protection.

Notably, the car also misses out on the standard Electric Stability and side airbags. Also, it does not comply with UN127 or GTR9 pedestrian protection norms.  

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: First Drive Review

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: Variants, Prices, Features

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is available in four variants - STD, LXI, VXI, and VXI+. It is priced between Rs 3.99 lakh and Rs 5.83 lakh (ex-showroom). On the feature front, the Alto K10 gets dual airbags, ABS with EBD, power steering, internally Adjustable ORVMs, digital speedometre, speed alert system, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, USB port, and more.The features will vary depending on the variant.