Maruti Baleno, Ertiga now get six airbags as standard across all variants

Time of India

6 days ago

In a move that strengthens its commitment to vehicle safety, Maruti Suzuki has rolled out a crucial upgrade across its two popular offerings — the Baleno and Ertiga. Both models will now feature six
airbags
as standard, covering every variant in their respective line-ups. This update not only aligns with upcoming safety norms but also signals a shift in how mass-market cars are being positioned with safety as a priority. The decision has also prompted a moderate increase in prices for both vehicles across India.
Safety Comes First Across All Variants
Maruti Suzuki has officially announced that six airbags will now be included as standard across all variants of both the Baleno hatchback and the Ertiga MPV. This move brings the models in line with the company's broader safety roadmap and anticipates the government's upcoming mandate requiring six airbags in all new passenger cars by October 2025. With this update, Maruti continues to expand its safety coverage from premium to mid-range and entry-level vehicles, reflecting changing expectations among Indian buyers.
Moderate Price Revisions Post-Upgrade
Alongside the safety enhancement, the company has made modest revisions to pricing. The Baleno now starts at ₹6.70 lakh and goes up to ₹9.92 lakh, ex-showroom, while the Ertiga's new price range is between ₹8.96 lakh and ₹13.25 lakh. The adjustments represent a price increase of up to 0.5% for the Baleno and up to 1.4% for the Ertiga. Despite the hike, the added value through enhanced safety features is likely to appeal to safety-conscious buyers.
Aligning With Upcoming Safety Mandates
This upgrade comes as part of Maruti Suzuki's ongoing effort to comply with evolving safety norms set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The ministry has stated that by October 2025, all new passenger vehicles sold in the country must be equipped with six airbags as standard. Maruti's early adoption of this requirement positions it favourably in the market and gives consumers access to enhanced protection ahead of the regulatory deadline.
Broader Safety Expansion Across Maruti Portfolio
In recent months, Maruti has made consistent efforts to offer improved safety features across its entire vehicle line-up. The six-airbag standard is no longer limited to high-end models. It has been extended to entry-level cars such as the Alto K10, WagonR, Celerio, and Eeco, especially within the Arena portfolio. The rollout has also reached Nexa offerings, reflecting a company-wide shift in strategy focused on safer mobility.
Market Context And Sales Snapshot
While the company has introduced positive developments in vehicle safety, it has simultaneously faced market pressures. Maruti Suzuki reported a 6% year-on-year decline in total sales for June 2025, with 1.68 lakh units sold compared to 1.79 lakh in June 2024. Domestic passenger vehicle sales witnessed a sharper dip, down 13% to 1.19 lakh units. Despite this, the brand remains focused on long-term quality and safety improvements, which could bolster consumer confidence going forward.
Consumer Impact And Industry Direction
The decision to standardise six airbags in models like the Baleno and Ertiga will likely influence consumer choices, especially for families and first-time buyers. Safety has increasingly become a key factor in purchasing decisions, with awareness growing steadily in both urban and semi-urban markets. Maruti's latest step may also put pressure on other manufacturers to accelerate similar safety offerings in their entry-level and mid-range segments, driving industry-wide change.