Maruti Suzuki on Monday announced the standardisation of six airbags across its popular entry-level models—WagonR, Alto K10, Celerio, and Eeco—becoming the second automaker in India to offer this essential safety feature in vehicles priced below ₹6 lakh. Hyundai was the first carmaker to take this step in 2023, implementing six airbags as standard across all its models.
The move aligns with an earlier commitment made by Maruti Suzuki chairman RC Bhargava in April, where he stated the company’s goal to equip all its vehicles with six airbags as standard by the end of 2025.
However, several models in Maruti Suzuki’s models—including the S-Presso, Baleno, Fronx, Ignis, Ciaz, Ertiga, and XL6—still do not feature six airbags as standard, as per the company’s official website. These models are retailed through both its NEXA and ARENA outlets.
The newly standardised six-airbag configuration includes dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags. This comprehensive system is complemented by three-point seat belts for all passengers and seat belt reminders, ensuring maximum safety effectiveness.
“India’s rapidly expanding modern road infrastructure, high-speed expressways, and evolving mobility patterns imply that the need for robust safety measures has never been greater. With the decision of making 6 airbags standard in the WagonR, Alto K10, Celerio, and Eeco, we are ensuring that enhanced safety is available for all,” said Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer, Maruti Suzuki India.
Meanwhile, the Indian government is reviewing existing vehicle safety norms and is considering an update that could mandate six airbags as standard in all M1 category passenger vehicles, up from the current requirement of two.
Despite the shift toward improved safety, homegrown automakers such as Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra have yet to fully align. Tata’s entry-level models—including the Punch, Tiago, Tigor, and Altroz—priced around ₹6 lakh, still lack six airbags in their base variants. Mahindra, which does not offer any models below ₹6 lakh, also does not include six airbags in the standard variant of its entry-level Bolero.