9 Groundbreaking Safety Upgrades as Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Ertiga Get Six Airbags Standard Across India

In a major leap towards enhanced passenger safety, Maruti Suzuki has announced that its popular models—the Baleno hatchback and the Ertiga MPV—will now come equipped with six airbags as standard across all variants. This move aligns with the government’s upcoming mandate that requires all new passenger vehicles sold in India to have six airbags by October 2025, reinforcing Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to safety without compromising affordability.

This safety upgrade is not only a significant value addition but a step that showcases the evolving priorities of Indian consumers as safety becomes a top consideration alongside design and performance. The company officially confirmed the update through a filing at the Bombay Stock Exchange, making clear that the changes are effective from July 16, 2025, and impact the entire range of both vehicle models.

Safety Comes First: What Does the Six-Airbag Standard Mean?

Both the Baleno and Ertiga models will now feature a dual front airbag setup complemented by side airbags, curtain airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag, bringing the total number of airbags installed standard to six. This enhancement significantly raises the level of occupant protection during collisions, reducing the risk of serious injuries—a vital aspect for families and urban commuters alike.

This upgrade follows a gradual shift seen across Maruti’s lineup. Earlier, models like the Swift, Wagon R, Alto, Eeco, and Celerio had already been upgraded with six airbags. Now, with Baleno and Ertiga joining the list, the majority of Maruti Suzuki’s vehicles available in India offer this crucial safety feature as standard.

Price Impact and Variants: What Buyers Need to Know

With safety upgrades, an accompanying price revision is unavoidable. The Ertiga sees a marginal increase of approximately 1.4%, translating to a price range now between ₹8.96 lakh and ₹13.25 lakh (ex-showroom). The Baleno, with a slightly smaller hike of about 0.5%, now ranges between ₹6.74 lakh and ₹9.92 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-end petrol variants.

Despite these nominal increases, Maruti Suzuki assures customers that the cost-benefit ratio strongly favors the enhanced protection features. Buyers get significantly improved safety without a major impact on the price tag, a factor that is likely to bolster trust and maintain strong sales momentum.

The decision to equip the Baleno and Ertiga with six airbags across all variants adds considerable emotional value for Indian families, many of whom buy these vehicles as their first or second car. For years, entry-level and mid-range car buyers in India compromised on safety features to meet budget constraints. Now, with manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki stepping up, essential safety no longer remains a luxury. Families, especially those with children and elderly members, are increasingly prioritizing cars with protective features, marking a cultural shift in attitudes towards automotive ownership in the country.

Dealerships across the country have already started witnessing increased footfall and inquiries, particularly from safety-conscious customers in urban centers. Sales executives report that more consumers now walk in with clear questions about crash protection, NCAP ratings, electronic aids, and child seat compatibility—signaling an evolving customer mindset. By introducing six airbags standard in two of its most popular models, Maruti Suzuki is not only meeting this demand but also guiding customers towards informed, safety-centric decision-making.

In semi-urban and rural markets, where the Ertiga has enjoyed strong popularity as both a private and commercial vehicle, the safety update is being seen as a welcome move to increase credibility among service-based buyers. For cab aggregators, school transport providers, and fleet operators, the changes provide a valuable talking point when marketing customer rides as “safe family travel.” In particular, this move is likely to improve the vehicle’s performance in the competitive fleet segment where word-of-mouth and long-term trust play an important role.

The emphasis on safety also has long-term implications for resale value. Vehicles with a fuller safety suite, especially features like six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, and ISOFIX mounts, typically retain value better in the pre-owned market. Buyers in the second-hand space too are becoming increasingly aware of safety specifications and inclined to pay more for better protection. In this way, even those buying on a tight budget have strong motivation to prefer models with six-airbag credentials, including older but safer versions of the Baleno and Ertiga.

Maruti Suzuki’s move can be seen not just as a proactive market gesture, but as a deeper alignment with long-term global trends aimed at reducing road fatalities and improving road discipline through engineering interventions. Over the last decade, emerging markets like India have registered some of the highest fatality rates due to avoidable factors such as lack of crash protection or improper seatbelt usage. While driver behavior and enforcement remain critical, automakers upgrading passive safety technology have a vital role to play. Moves like this signify intent, not just compliance.

Complementary Safety Features Enhance the Driving Experience

The six airbags are a key pillar, but Baleno and Ertiga continue to offer a robust suite of safety technologies. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with hill-hold assist helps maintain vehicle control on slopes and during sudden maneuvering. All seat belts in both cars have 3-point restrainers with reminder systems to encourage proper seat belt use—a simple but critical safety step.

The rear seats are equipped with ISOFIX child seat anchorages, underlining the family-first approach in these vehicles. Meanwhile, newer trims of the Baleno also boast a 360-degree surround-view camera system to aid parking and tight maneuvering, adding convenience and safety.

Engine and Performance: Trusted Powertrains Remain Unchanged

While the highlight has been safety upgrades, the Baleno and Ertiga carry forward their current powertrain options unchanged, preserving the balance of performance and fuel efficiency that owners appreciate.

The Baleno continues with its 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine producing about 89 horsepower, paired with manual or AMT gearboxes, and factory-fitted CNG options remain available in select trims. The Ertiga maintains its proven 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engine options, known for their reliability and low running costs, making the MPV a versatile choice for families.

Aligning with Government Mandates and Industry Trends

The update comes as India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways mandates six airbags as a compulsory feature for all new passenger vehicles starting October 1, 2025. Maruti Suzuki’s proactive approach not only fulfills this requirement ahead of time but underscores the brand’s foresight in responding to growing consumer safety awareness.

The company’s gradual upgrade strategy—rolling out six airbags across almost its entire portfolio—mirrors a broader industry move to prioritize occupant safety in one of the world’s largest automotive markets. This shift benefits consumers directly and raises the competitive bar for manufacturers.

Consumer and Market Impact: What It Means for Indian Buyers

For customers, especially first-time car buyers and families, the availability of comprehensive airbag protection at an accessible price point enhances peace of mind and value proposition. Enhanced crash protection can also improve insurance premiums and resell values, adding to the ownership benefits.

These safety enhancements may further increase the appeal of the Baleno and Ertiga in key segments—entry premium hatchback and family MPV—helping Maruti Suzuki to sustain its leadership and connect with customers who increasingly view safety features as non-negotiable.

Broader Industry Implications and Future Outlook

The industry-wide push towards raising safety standards holds several broader implications. It is expected to catalyze innovation in passive and active safety technologies, enrich consumer choice, and foster greater transparency in vehicle safety ratings and branding.

Maruti Suzuki’s decisive move sets a precedence for speedier adoption of safety norms by other manufacturers, pushing the market toward a safer future. As customers become savvier and regulators keep close watch, such upgrades will become fundamental rather than optional selling points.

The ripple effect of this change is also likely to extend to competitors, forcing other major OEMs to reassess their standard feature lists ahead of schedule. Brands that have relied on safety offerings being part of top-end variants may face mounting pressure to democratize them across lower trims. As car buyers become more sensitive to crash survivability and compare safety kits more precisely, price will no longer be the central criteria driving decisions. This change could redefine how manufacturers structure their product strategies and reposition entire segments.

For customers appreciative of this change, there is also an emotional assurance that the brand they’re investing in cares about their well-being. In India, purchasing a car is a significant family affair—often involving savings, sacrifices, and generational planning. When a carmaker includes features that safeguard not just the driver but every passenger on board, it speaks to cultural values like security, trust, and long-term thinking. It strengthens the loyalty people feel towards the brand, setting up the potential for not just a one-time purchase but lifelong association.

Finally, this strategic update reinforces Maruti Suzuki’s position as a people’s brand—a company that listens, responds, and adapts proactively to the evolving needs of modern Indian motorists. At a time when global auto brands vie for Indian market share, it is these thoughtful, citizen-first decisions that help Maruti maintain widespread trust. With both the Baleno and Ertiga now leading the charge in accessible safety, the message is clear: progress isn’t only about power and polish—it’s also about protection, responsibility, and putting people first.

Conclusion: Maruti Suzuki’s Safety First Promise Strengthened

With the new six-airbag standardization in the Baleno and Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki has once again demonstrated a commitment to protecting India’s drivers and passengers. While only a slight price increase accompanies these upgrades, the value added is immense, helping customers enjoy superior safety for their most precious assets.

As Indian roads grow busier and driving conditions more demanding, these steps serve as a vital milestone in making everyday travel safer for all. Buyers looking for reliable, safe, and well-equipped vehicles now have even more reason to opt for the Baleno and Ertiga—the trusted companions of millions.

Maruti Suzuki’s rollout of the six-airbag standard is a bold, positive, and necessary evolution in India’s automotive market, symbolizing progress while honoring affordability and practical consumer needs.

Follow: Maruti Suzuki

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