The made-in-India Suzuki Baleno 2-star Latin NCAP rating has become a hot topic in automotive safety news as the popular hatchback received a surprisingly low score in the latest crash test cycle conducted by Latin NCAP in December 2025. The model tested was manufactured in India, equipped with six airbags, and intended for export to Latin American markets. Despite a stable body structure and respectable occupant protection scores, the overall star rating was capped due to missing active safety technologies. Latin NCAP crash tests are increasingly influential among car buyers and automotive experts around the world. These tests provide reliable independent assessments of how well vehicles protect occupants and pedestrians during collisions, as well as how equipped they are with modern safety systems.
Understanding the Suzuki Baleno 2-Star Latin NCAP Performance
In the recent round of crash tests, the made-in-India Suzuki Baleno 2-star Latin NCAP result was driven by a mix of strengths and weaknesses in different safety categories.
Crash Test Scores Breakdown
- Adult Occupant Protection: 79% — indicating good protection for adult passengers in frontal and side impacts.
- Child Occupant Protection: 65% — solid performance for child occupants when properly restrained.
- Pedestrian Protection: 48% — average performance, due to limitations in bumper and bonnet design.
- Safety Assist: 58% — the biggest area of weakness, mainly due to missing advanced driver assistance technologies.
Latin NCAP also reported that the Baleno’s body shell was stable and capable of withstanding additional loadings, which is a positive sign for crash survivability.
Key Safety Strengths of the Made-in-India Suzuki Baleno 2-Star Latin NCAP
While the overall rating was just 2 stars, there are several positive aspects worth highlighting in the made-in-India Suzuki Baleno 2-star Latin NCAP evaluation.
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Solid Occupant Protection
- The Baleno showed good frontal and side impact protection for adults.
- Rear impact whiplash protection earned a positive assessment, adding confidence to the structural safety.
Standard Passive Safety Equipment
The tested Baleno came equipped with a strong set of baseline safety gear:
- Six airbags (front, side, and curtain)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- ISOFIX mounts for child seats
- Seat belt reminders for all seating positions
These features help the car perform well in passive safety tests — situations where crash impact does most of the work to protect occupants.
Why the Suzuki Baleno 2-Star Latin NCAP Rating Is Low
The primary reason the made-in-India Suzuki Baleno 2-star Latin NCAP rating landed at two stars is the lack of advanced active safety systems. Latin NCAP places significant emphasis on Safety Assist technologies, which can help prevent accidents in the first place.
Missing Active Safety Technologies
The Baleno tested did not include several key systems that are now standard in many international markets, including:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane Keep Assist
- Speed Assist Systems
- Blind Spot Detection
- Other driver-support features
These technologies play a major role in Latin NCAP’s Safety Assist scoring. Their absence significantly limited the Baleno’s ability to score higher overall.
Suzuki Baleno 2-Star Latin NCAP vs Bharat NCAP Rating
One of the most important things to understand about the made-in-India Suzuki Baleno 2-star Latin NCAP result is that it is not reflective of how the same car is rated in India.
Differences in Regional Safety Protocols
- Latin NCAP uses different scoring methods and places a stronger emphasis on active Safety Assist features.
- Bharat NCAP, India’s domestic safety rating program, currently has different evaluation criteria that focus more on crashworthiness and passive safety equipment.
Bharat NCAP Performance
Earlier in 2025, the Baleno sold in India received a 4-star safety rating under Bharat NCAP for both the 2-airbag and 6-airbag variants. This stark contrast highlights how regional safety expectations and testing protocols can influence star ratings even for essentially the same vehicle. It’s also important that the Latin NCAP rating applies only to vehicles sold in Latin American markets, and not to India-spec variants, which may come with different feature packs.
What the Rating Means for Buyers
For prospective car buyers — especially those focused on safety — the made-in-India Suzuki Baleno 2-star Latin NCAP rating is a reminder of how global safety perceptions can vary:
- A lower Latin NCAP result does not necessarily mean the car is unsafe, but it lags behind vehicles with more advanced safety technology.
- Buyers in markets where Latin NCAP ratings are influential may weigh this result heavily when choosing a hatchback.
- Indian buyers should view this result in context, recognizing that Bharat NCAP ratings and safety requirements differ from those in Latin America.
Safety Features That Could Improve Future Ratings
To boost its safety performance in future Latin NCAP tests, the Suzuki Baleno would benefit from including more active safety technologies:
- Adding Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Integrating Lane Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring
- Installing Speed Assist and Driver Attention Alert systems
- Providing knee airbags and side head airbags
Incorporating these features could significantly enhance Safety Assist scores and push the Baleno toward a higher star rating internationally.
Final Verdict
The made-in-India Suzuki Baleno 2-star Latin NCAP rating highlights the difference between regional safety standards rather than indicating a lack of structural integrity. While the hatchback offers good crashworthiness and basic safety equipment, it lacks advanced driver-assist technologies expected in Latin American markets. Indian buyers can still rely on Bharat NCAP ratings and the Baleno’s current safety features for confidence. Prospective international buyers should consider the importance of active safety systems when evaluating the Baleno’s overall safety performance.
