Maruti Suzuki Enhances Safety With Advanced Features Across Nexa and Arena Lineup

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest automobile manufacturer, has announced a major upgrade in vehicle safety standards across its Nexa and Arena product portfolios. As part of its new Nexa Safety Shield and Arena Safety Shield initiatives, the company is now offering advanced safety features as standard across a wide range of models. This move coincides with the 10th anniversary of the premium Nexa retail channel, which was launched in 2015 to redefine the automotive buying experience for Indian customers.

Summary Table

Safety as a Priority

Over the years, Maruti Suzuki has consistently worked towards making vehicle safety more accessible in India. The company has made a significant leap in FY 2024-25 by introducing safety features well ahead of the mandated regulatory deadlines. Now, six airbags have been made standard across 14 models sold in the country. This is in addition to essential safety systems like Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which is now standard across all models.

Key Safety Features Under Nexa and Arena Safety Shield

The Nexa Safety Shield and Arena Safety Shield packages include a comprehensive set of active and passive safety features designed to protect occupants and pedestrians alike.

Standard Features Include:

• Six airbags (front, side, and curtain)

• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)

• ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with Hill Hold Assist

• Reverse parking sensors and camera assistance

• Three-point ELR seat belts with reminders for all occupants

• ISOFIX child seat anchorages

• Pedestrian protection compliance

These features are now standard across multiple models, from entry-level hatchbacks to premium SUVs, ensuring that safety is no longer a luxury feature but a necessity for all.

Advanced Safety Enhancements in New Models

Beyond the standard equipment, Maruti Suzuki has been progressively adding high-tech safety features to its newer models. For example:

• 360-degree camera for enhanced visibility during parking and maneuvering

• Heads-up display (HUD) for safer viewing of speed and navigation data without taking eyes off the road

• Electronic parking brake with auto-hold in the Maruti Suzuki Invicto

• Front parking sensors for tighter space management

• Introduction of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the upcoming eVITARA

These additions bring Maruti Suzuki closer to international safety and convenience standards.

Commitment to Safety Testing and R&D

Maruti Suzuki operates a state-of-the-art Research and Development facility in Rohtak, Haryana, built at a cost of ₹3,800 crore. Every model undergoes over 50 crash tests, including the controlled destruction of nearly 30 vehicles per model before its market launch.

The brand’s commitment to safety is reflected in its performance in independent crash tests:

• The all-new Dzire became the first sedan in India to achieve a 5-star rating from the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP).

• The Baleno secured a 4-star BNCAP rating, further proving the brand’s consistent safety efforts.

Safety Education and Community Initiatives

In addition to upgrading vehicle safety, Maruti Suzuki is also investing in public safety awareness. The company supports road safety education programs, collaborates with law enforcement agencies, and runs emergency care initiatives to reduce accident-related fatalities.

Official Statement

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer (Marketing & Sales), stated:

“Safety has always been a strategic priority for the company. In FY 2024-25, we made significant strides in enhancing vehicle safety, well ahead of mandated regulatory timelines. Taking a big leap in safety, advanced features like ESP became standard across all models, and six airbags were introduced as standard in 14 models.”

FAQs

1. Which Maruti Suzuki models now have six airbags as standard?

A. Maruti Suzuki has introduced six airbags as standard in 14 models across its Nexa and Arena lineup, covering hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs.

2. What is ESP and why is it important?

A. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) helps maintain control of the car during sudden maneuvers, reducing the risk of skidding or rollover.

3. What is Level 2 ADAS?

A. Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems offer semi-autonomous features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking.

4. Where is Maruti Suzuki’s crash test facility located?

A. It is located in Rohtak, Haryana, and is equipped with advanced testing setups for global safety standards.

5. Which Maruti Suzuki car got a 5-star BNCAP rating?

A. The all-new Dzire is the first sedan in India to earn a 5-star BNCAP rating.

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