Maruti Baleno & Ertiga Now Get 6 Airbags Standard
🚘 Introduction: Safety Comes Standard — But at a Slight Cost
If you’re planning to buy a Maruti Suzuki Baleno or Ertiga, there’s some big news you should know. Both of these popular models now come with six airbags as standard — across all variants. Yup, you read that right! Maruti is finally stepping up its game in the safety department.
But… there’s a small catch. With the extra airbags, prices have gone up — not by a huge margin, but enough to raise eyebrows. So is this a smart upgrade or just a clever way to sneak in a price hike? Let’s break it down.
💥 What’s Changed? More Airbags in Maruti Baleno & Ertiga for Everyone!
Up until now, the Baleno and Ertiga only had dual airbags as standard. The higher variants came with more — six in the Baleno, and just four in the Ertiga.
But from July 16, 2025, all versions of both cars will come equipped with six airbags — including front, side, and curtain airbags. It’s a major step forward for safety-conscious buyers, especially for families and highway travellers.
This update also brings these models in line with others like the Alto K10, Eeco, Brezza, Celerio, and Wagon R, which have also received similar safety boosts recently.
📈 Why Now? Strategy or Safety Pressure?
So why is Maruti suddenly focusing on safety?
Simple — Indian car buyers are asking for more. With platforms like Bharat NCAP now giving star ratings based on crash performance, brands can no longer afford to cut corners on safety.
Maruti, often criticised in the past for not scoring well in crash tests, seems to be changing its approach. Whether it’s a genuine shift or a PR move, this upgrade does show that Maruti is listening — and evolving.
💰 The Catch: Small Price Hike with the Upgrade
Now here’s the part that might sting a bit.
Along with the new airbags, prices have gone slightly up:
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Baleno: Around 0.5% increase
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Ertiga: Up to 1.4% increase
To put it in numbers — the Baleno (which used to start at ₹6.70 lakh) and Ertiga (starting at ₹8.96 lakh) now cost a few thousand rupees more depending on the variant.
It’s not a massive jump, but if you’re watching your budget closely, you’ll definitely notice the difference.
🆚 What About the Competition?
So, with six airbags now standard, how do the Baleno and Ertiga compare with their rivals?
In the premium hatchback space:
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Hyundai i20 already offered 6 airbags in top trims.
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Tata Altroz is solid on safety too, but only higher trims get extra airbags.
In the MPV segment:
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Kia Carens already offers 6 airbags across all variants.
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Renault Triber still sticks with just dual airbags.
With this move, Maruti is finally catching up — though it’s still playing a bit of catch-up in the crash test rating department.
📢 What Are People Saying?
The initial reaction online has been mostly positive. People are happy that Maruti is taking safety more seriously — especially since Baleno and Ertiga are top choices for families.
That said, there’s also a bit of frustration. Models like the S-Presso, Ignis, Fronx, XL6, and Ciaz haven’t yet received the same upgrade. But Maruti says “97%” of its line-up will eventually get 6 airbags.
Rumour has it, the Fronx and XL6 are next in line. The Ciaz, on the other hand, seems to be fading out — production has apparently stopped, even though it’s still listed on Nexa.
🤔 So, Is It a Smart Move or Just Clever Marketing?
Honestly? It’s both.
From a buyer’s perspective, more airbags = more peace of mind. And when you consider how often we hear about road accidents in India, a few extra airbags can make a big difference.
Yes, the price hike feels a little sneaky. But it’s a small price to pay for better safety for you and your loved ones.
✅ Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a hatchback or a family MPV, this update makes the Baleno and Ertiga more attractive than ever. Sure, they’re slightly more expensive now, but they also come packed with life-saving tech — and that’s something you just can’t put a price on.
💬 What Do You Think?
Would you pay a little extra for six airbags in your next car? Or do you feel Maruti should’ve included this upgrade without a price hike?
Let us know in the comments or tag us on social — we’d love to hear your take!
Good step by maruti.