SA models better equipped than Indian S-Presso, Grand i-10 and Seltos crash test fails
The latest round of Indian Global NCAP crash tests have delivered some lethal results. The Maruti-built Suzuki S-Presso achieved a lethal zero star rating. The Hyundai Grand i10 and the Kia Seltos also scored dubious results.
All three Indian-built cars tested are however sold to a higher safer specification in South Africa.
AN INDIAN FAILURE. BUT SA MODELS WILL FARE BETTER
The Indian Suzuki S-Presso achieved zero stars for adult occupant protection. The lack of a passenger airbag in that market resulted in high readings in the passenger neck area. Both front occupants also suffered potentially red chest injuries. All of which is likely be negated in the superior equipped SA cars.
S-Presso’s body structure, in particular the footwell is however ‘unstable and should be improved’. S-Presso delivered a poor two star child occupant rating. The Indian version does not offer 3 point belts in all positions and has no ISOFIX child restraint anchorages.
South African S-Pressos however come with pre-tensioner front seatbelts, a passenger SRS Airbag, ABS braking with Electronic Brake Distribution.
Hyundai’s Grand i10 Nios achieved two stars in both adult and child protection. It has double frontal airbags and pre-tensioners, but its structure and footwell area were both however rated unstable. Adult head and neck protection was good, although driver chest protection was and adequate for the passenger.
SA CARS STILL HAVE ALL THE LOST INDIAN SPEC
Hyundai’s failed to fit standard 3 point seatbelts or ISOFIX anchorages, or to recommend a child restraint system in India. That contributed to the Grand i10’s poor child occupant rating in the that market. Once again, all new South African Grand i10s come with driver and front passenger airbags. Add rear ISOFIX attachments and pre-tensioners for the front seat occupants’ seat belts, as well as ABS braking with EBD.
The Indian Kia Seltos achieved three stars for adult protection and two for child protection. It had standard double front airbags and pre-tensioners as. Seltos’ structure was rated as borderline due to an unstable footwell. Front occupant head protection is adequate as both airbags bottomed out during the test.
Adult neck protection was good and chest protection good for the passenger, but marginal for the driver. Kia does not recommend a child restraint system in India. That once again resulted in poor child protection results. Seltos also does not offer standard 3 point belts or ISOFIX anchorages in the Indian market.
SOUTH AFRICAN MODELS ARE FAR SAFER
All South African Seltos models are however quipped with six airbags as standard. One for the driver, one for the front passenger, two side airbags for the driver and front passenger. Add two side curtain bags that stretch across the length of the cabin. All Seltos models also feature ISOFIX child seat anchors, ABS brakes and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.
So there you have it. If you live in South Africa, ignore these disastrous latest Indian NCAP results on Seltos, Grand i10 and S-Presso. If you are in another car market however, best you check the safety spec of those new cars. Saving that quick buck is potentially lethal to you and your loved ones, in the long run.
