Maruti to equip all cars with six airbags enhancing safety but likely raising prices
In a significant move towards enhancing vehicle safety, Maruti Suzuki has confirmed that it will equip all its models with six airbags as standard by the end of 2025. The announcement, made by Maruti Suzuki chairman R C Bhargava during the company’s latest earnings call, marks a shift towards greater alignment with government safety initiatives.
Six Airbags for All Models
Currently, six Maruti Suzuki models – the Baleno, Fronx, Ertiga, Ignis, XL6 and S-Presso – do not feature six airbags across all variants. While the higher-spec versions of the Baleno and Fronx already offer side and curtain airbags, their base trims will now also be upgraded. Consequently, entry-level variants of these models are expected to see a price increase.
Other models like the Ertiga, XL6, Ignis and S-Presso, which do not offer six airbags even in top trims, will also witness price adjustments. The scale of price hikes is anticipated to be similar to previous updates, with models like the Celerio having seen increases of up to Rs. 32,500 after receiving additional safety features.
Balancing Safety and Affordability
The decision to standardise six airbags across the lineup underscores Maruti Suzuki’s heightened focus on safety. However, it also highlights a complex trade-off between safety enhancements and vehicle affordability. Bhargava had earlier voiced concerns over the potential impact of higher costs on small car sales, particularly in India’s price-sensitive market.
According to Bhargava, only a small fraction of Indian households — approximately 12 percent — have annual incomes above Rs. 12 lakh, enough to afford cars priced over Rs. 10 lakh. With the majority of buyers operating within tighter budgets, price escalations driven by mandatory safety upgrades could potentially dampen demand, especially in the entry-level segment where Maruti has traditionally maintained a stronghold.
Safety Ratings and Brand Image
Maruti Suzuki’s renewed safety push follows a mixed record in global crash test assessments. While the recently launched fourth-generation Dzire secured a notable 5-star rating in Global NCAP testing, several other models — including the Alto K10, Wagon R, S-Presso and Ignis — have received low scores in past evaluations.
The implementation of six airbags could help bolster the brand’s safety credentials, particularly for models that previously underperformed in crash tests. Whether the additional airbags will significantly improve the safety ratings of these cars remains to be seen.
Looking Ahead
The decision to implement six airbags as standard reflects both regulatory expectations and evolving consumer priorities, with safety becoming an increasingly important factor in purchasing decisions. Despite earlier reservations about affordability, Maruti Suzuki’s move signals a broader shift towards prioritising occupant protection across its product portfolio.
As the updates roll out through 2025, customers can expect a safer, albeit slightly more expensive, range of Maruti Suzuki vehicles.
