Maruti Suzuki Makes 6 Airbags Standard on Arena Models- WagonR, Alto K10, Celerio & Eeco
In a major push toward safer driving experiences, Maruti Suzuki Arena has announced a significant updat: six airbags will now come standard on four of its most popular (and bugdet-friendly) models — Alto K10, Celerio, WagonR, and Eeco.
Safety First: A Big Leap for Entry-Level Cars
With this update, the Alto K10, WagonR, Celerio, and Eeco now join the ranks of the Swift, Dzire, and Brezza, which already offer enhanced occupant protection, in the Arena range. By extending 6-airbag coverage to these models, Maruti Suzuki has made a bold move to democratize safety across all segments.
This update adds dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags to these models, offering 360-degree protection in the event of a crash.
ESP, Hill Hold, ABS & More Still Included
The addition of six airbags doesn't come alone. These cars will also continue to offer a strong list of safety features like Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Assist, ABS with EBD, and 3-point seatbelts with reminders for all passengers. The update makes these budget-friendly vehicles significantly safer on today’s faster, more crowded roads.
Why Maruti Suzuki Took This Step
Speaking on the occasion, Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer at Maruti Suzuki India Limited, explained the move:
“With India’s road infrastructure evolving rapidly and high-speed highways becoming common, the demand for strong in-car safety is higher than ever. We want to make advanced safety affordable and accessible for everyone. By making 6 airbags standard in these popular Arena models, we’re raising safety standards across the board.”
He also noted that due to the massive popularity of these four models, this initiative will benefit a huge number of Indian motorists, especially in urban and semi-urban areas.
The updated versions of these cars are now available at Maruti Suzuki Arena showrooms across the country. With the revision, Maruti Suzuki reinforces its leadership not just in sales, but in setting new safety benchmarks among India’s mass-market players.
The Back Story
The Indian government had announced its push for equipping all vehicles with six airbags previously. In September that year, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari made it clear that the government wouldn't make six airbags mandatory on all vehicles. It would be up to the carmakers to decide if these should be offered on their models.
"We don't want to make six airbags rule for cars mandatory," the minister said at an event in Delhi. "Now people are cautious. Whatever models have six air bags, people may prefer to take that car. It’s up to the manufacturers and people to decide"
A proposal was once under consideration, which called to amend the Central Motors Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989 to mandate the inclusion of more safety features (including more airbags). It was, however, never finalised and the proposed rule was even retracted over the months that followed.
As revealed by a previous Reuters report, adding four more airbags ( in addition to the already mandatory two) could cost around Rs 6,221 per vehicle. Data revealed by JATO Dynamics, however suggested a much higher figure- Rs 19,161!
The government had made two airbags mandatory on all vehicles manufactured on and after April 1, 2021. Today, most cars and SUVs come equipped with these, irrespective of their price ranges or segments. Most manufacturers have found ways to strike a balance between cost and safety offered. The growing awareness and concern among Indian buyers regarding safety, crashworthiness and safety features have in a way compelled manufacturers to improve safety offered on their vehicles, with each iteration.