The made-in-India Suzuki Baleno, in its updated six‑airbag export-spec form, has received a 2‑star safety rating in the latest Latin NCAP crash tests, with results published in December 2025. According to Latin NCAP data, the car scored 79 percent for Adult Occupant Protection, 65 percent for Child Occupant Protection, 48 percent for Pedestrian Protection, and 58 percent for Safety Assist. The bodyshell was rated as stable and capable of withstanding further loadings. This indicates that the basic structure performed as expected in crash conditions. Latin NCAP had earlier tested a two‑airbag version of the Baleno under the same protocol, which secured a lower 1‑star rating, highlighting how additional airbags and safety systems improve protection outcomes.
Crash Performance & Protection Breakdown
In frontal offset crash tests, the Baleno provided good protection to the head and neck of front occupants, while it delivered adequate chest protection. It offered marginal protection for the knees and tibias, though the footwell area remained stable. In side impact and side pole tests on the six‑airbag version, the Baleno provided good protection for the head, abdomen, and pelvis. Whiplash protection in rear impact tests also received a good assessment. For child occupant safety, the Baleno achieved 65 percent, with both 1.5-year-old and 3-year-old child dummies showing good protection when seated in rear-facing child seats using ISOFIX mounts. However, limited scores in child seat installation and vehicle-based child safety assessment affected the overall result.
Why The Star Rating Remains Limited
Despite respectable crash-structure performance and standard safety equipment such as six airbags, electronic stability control, ISOFIX mounts, and seatbelt reminders for all seats, the absence of ADAS constrained the Baleno’s overall rating. Latin NCAP heavily weighs features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane support systems, blind-spot detection, and speed assistance in its Safety Assist category, in which the Baleno scored 58 percent. This gap ultimately capped the car at a 2-star rating under Latin NCAP protocols. It is important to note that this result applies only to Baleno models sold in Latin American markets. Earlier in 2025, the India-spec Baleno scored 4 stars under Bharat NCAP, showing how differences in testing standards and scoring methods across regions can lead to contrasting safety ratings for the same vehicle platform.
