Automotive Update for July 30: 6-airbag system debuts in Maruti Suzuki Fronx, 2025 Renault Triber begins delivery, Tata Sierra undercover investigation revealed at dealerships
Maruti Suzuki, a leading automobile manufacturer in India, has made a significant move towards enhancing safety in their popular models. The latest updates include making six airbags standard across all variants of the Fronx, XL6, Baleno, and Ertiga. This initiative is part of Maruti Suzuki's broader strategy to improve occupant safety and comply with upcoming government regulations mandating six airbags in new passenger vehicles by October 2025.
The 2025 Maruti Baleno now comes standard with six airbags on all variants, marking a significant upgrade in its segment. This enhancement has contributed to improved safety ratings for the Baleno, earning it a 4-star Bharat NCAP rating [1][3].
The Maruti Fronx has also received the six-airbag upgrade, with prices starting from Rs 7.59 lakh (ex-showroom). This update has led to a slight price increase of around 0.5% [2][4][5]. Similarly, the XL6 and Ertiga models have adopted standard six-airbag configurations, along with features like Electronic Stability Program, ABS with EBD, hill hold assist, seatbelt reminders, and more [3].
The introduction of six airbags as a standard safety feature has resulted in a moderate price increase, approximately 0.5%, on most affected models such as the Fronx. This reflects the safety components' added value and compliance expenses but is positioned as a necessary investment aligning with stricter safety norms and consumer demand for safer vehicles [2][5].
In summary, Maruti Suzuki's recent safety updates across their lineup prioritize occupant protection through six airbags standardization, slightly increasing prices but enhancing their competitive safety positioning in the Indian market ahead of mandatory regulations.
Other Automotive Updates
- The Renault Kwid, another car with a 999 cc engine, has a starting price of ₹ 4.70 Lakhs.
- The electric version of the Tata Sierra SUV will be positioned as Tata's flagship EV, above the Curvv EV and Harrier EV in the lineup.
- The Renault Triber 2025 has reached dealerships and is about to start deliveries. The facelifted MPV has a reworked fascia, a sculpted rear profile, and more features than before. The pricing for the Triber facelift starts from ₹6.30 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to ₹9.17 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-spec version.
- A camouflaged test mule of the Volkswagen Taigun SUV was recently spotted on Indian roads.
- The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10, a car with multiple engine options, has a starting price of ₹ 4.23 Lakhs.
- The Toyota Glanza, a car with multiple engine options, has a starting price of ₹ 6.90 Lakhs.
- The upcoming facelift of the Volkswagen Taigun SUV aims to keep it fresh against newer rivals.
- The Tata Tiago, a car with multiple engine options, has a starting price of ₹ 5 Lakhs.
- Tata Motors is expected to debut the electric version of the Tata Sierra SUV first.
- The Volkswagen Polo 2025, an upcoming car with a 999 cc petrol engine, has a starting price of ₹ 8 Lakhs.
- The Volkswagen Taigun facelift has not yet been officially announced for launch.
- Tata's electric vehicle portfolio has seen strong growth in recent years.
- The Volkswagen Taigun SUV is getting a mid-life update.
- Tata Motors is planning to reintroduce the Tata Sierra SUV with a modern design.
- The Volkswagen Taigun SUV was launched in 2021 and is Volkswagen's answer to the competitive compact SUV segment in India.
- The price of the Fronx has increased marginally (around 0.5%) due to this safety update.
- The Hyundai i20, a car with a 1197 cc petrol engine, has a starting price of ₹ 7.04 Lakhs.
[1] Source: Bharat NCAP Safety Ratings [2] Source: Maruti Suzuki Press Release [3] Source: Maruti Suzuki Vehicle Updates [4] Source: CarDekho [5] Source: ZigWheels
- The latest trend in the Indian automotive industry involves automakers enhancing safety features to comply with upcoming regulations, as demonstrated by Maruti Suzuki standardizing six airbags in several models.
- Tata Motors, another prominent automaker, is planning to introduce electric versions of their popular SUV, the Tata Sierra, positioning it above the Curvv EV and Harrier EV in their lineup.
- In addition to safety improvements, some automakers are focusing on electric vehicles for future growth. Tata Motors' electric vehicle portfolio has reportedly seen strong growth in recent years, suggesting a shift towards cleaner transportation solutions.