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Watch Indian cars fail Global NCAP crash tests miserably

It's taken for granted that cars currently for sale in Western countries pass crash tests, and often merit four- or five-star safety ratings in NCAP or NHTSA tests. This is why these scores attained by Indian market cars are so galling: seven vehicles currently sold in India got zero stars in any category – a horrifying clean sweep. It is understandable that cars sold in a developing market are cheap and equipment levels are low, but acceptable crash safety is something that should be considered essential in all markets. The cars tested in the Global New Car Assessment Programme were Hyundai's Eon, Maruti Suzuki's Eeco and Celerio models, Mahindra's Scorpio SUV and several Renault Kwid models. All of the cars were manufactured in India for the Indian market, and the Mahindra Scorpio was the sole larger car. It was first introduced in 2002, with updates made in 2006 and 2014. Mahindra has long planned to export its vehicles to the United States, with the likeliest version a pickup variant of the Scorpio. Renault's Kwid crossover was tested in three versions. Initially, the Kwid was tested with and without airbags, and on both accounts it scored zero stars in adult occupant protection and two stars in child occupant protection. Renault strengthened the bodyshell and the crash tests showed the updated Kwid's structure did not collapse; still, it was rated unstable and that it couldn't withstand further stress. On closer inspection, the structural reinforcements were found to be done only on the driver's side of the passenger cell. Renault has confirmed more safety updates are on their way. "We welcome Renault's efforts to correct this and we look forward to testing another improved version with airbags. Renault has a strong record of achievement in safety in Europe and it should offer the same commitment to its customers in India", says Global NCAP's David Ward. "Global NCAP strongly believes that no manufacturer anywhere in the world should be developing new models that are so clearly sub-standard. Car makers must ensure that their new models pass the United Nations' minimum crash test regulations, and support use of an airbag." The airbag-equipped Kwid was the only model of the seven cars tested that was fitted with one. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This is how the Mahindra Scorpio performed. This content is hosted by a third party.

Next Suzuki SX4 spotted again

Thanks to a sketch of the Suzuki S-Cross concept, we can already see the styling direction that the next-generation SX4 will take, and Suzuki is still hard at work on the production version of the car as evidenced by this latest batch of spy shots. These photos look almost identical to those captured back in July, but we see a little more detail at the rear of the car and get a better idea of the next SX4's proportions.
With the baggy camouflage lifted up at the rear of this prototype, we can see that the SX4 replacement has a very Mazda-chic look to it with downward-angled taillights that stretch into the liftgate. Aside from this, the big news is that we're finally getting a sense of the new SX4's size. Suzuki's press release attached to the Paris-bound S-Cross sketch said that the SX4 replacement would be growing to the compact segment rather than being a subcompact like the current car. Recent reports indicate that the next version of this car will be sized closer to the Grand Vitara, and in these pictures, you can definitely see how much the car has grown.
Still unknown is when we can expect to see the production version of the new SX4, or what will be inside it (available turbo power?), but hopefully Suzuki will not delay things like it did with the Kizashi and its numerous concepts.

Suzuki releases another Baleno image for Frankfurt

The Suzuki Baleno is a tiny five-door that arrives in the UK next summer, but Suzuki is giving its newest model a big reveal at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show on Sept. 15. Until then, the soon-to-be-independent Japanese brand is continuing to tease the little guy, promising to "raise the bar for compact hatchbacks." The exterior of the Baleno adapts the iK-2 concept, and the two of them look practically identical. Under the skin, the hatchback gets Suzuki's new platform that's lighter and more rigid. Power comes from a 1.0-liter direct-injected and turbocharged engine that Suzuki calls the Boosterjet. For added propulsion, a mild hybrid layout also allows the starter to provide extra assistance. Until we can actually check the Baleno out in Frankfurt, the gallery above shows all of the teaser images for the compact, so far. SUZUKI BALENO HATCHBACK TO DEBUT AT 66TH IAA FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW 31/08/15 Suzuki's ideal compact hatchback The all-new Baleno which will make its world premiere at the 66th IAA Frankfurt Motor Show* will raise the bar for compact hatchbacks. Since manufacturing its first car in 1955, the Suzulight, Suzuki has produced a variety of compact cars that deliver value much greater than their sizes. Developed using the company's compact car expertise, the Baleno has an elegant and powerful design, a spacious cabin and luggage space plus a host of new technologies. The new technologies include a rigid, lightweight new generation platform, highly responsive 1.0-litre direct-injection turbo BOOSTERJET engine, and SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) featuring engine assist by an integrated starter generator. All of these contribute to a fun yet efficient driving experience, giving the Baleno much more than just good looks and convenience. In addition to fulfilling fuel efficiency and dynamic performance expectations, the layout has been optimised and various technologies used to reduce weight in order to meet the rigorous size and weight requirements specific to compact cars. The new Baleno will be launched in the UK early next Summer. Further details of the Baleno will be disclosed at the Suzuki press conference at the Frankfurt Motor show. The conference will be held at 1.15pm on Tuesday 15th September. We look forward to welcoming you on stand B12 in Hall 9.0. Learn more at http://www.globalsuzuki.com/iaa2015/, a special Baleno website. *At Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main; press days 15-16 September, public days 17-27 September. ENDS.