Already available on export models.
A report on the Economic Times states that Maruti Suzuki is working on adding safety packs on its entry-level models like the Maruti Alto 800 and Alto K10. A senior company official, on the condition of anonymity, said that the car maker will introduce these safety packs on these models much before the government's regulations come into force.
On its past couple of launches (Maruti S-Cross and Maruti Ertiga facelift), and on the future Baleno, Maruti has already made several safety features standard. On the Baleno and S-Cross for example, all variants get ABS, EBD and dual front airbags as standard. On the Ertiga facelift, Maruti is offering a driver airbag as standard, and other features like ABS, EBD and co-driver airbag are available from the LXi (O) variant onwards.
In the entry-segment though, buyers need to opt for the top-end VXi model to get a driver airbag, while features such as ABS, EBD and even a co-driver airbag are unavailable on these models. However, the company already manufactures the Alto and Alto K10 with these features for certain export markets.
The Alto's competitors, the recently launched Renault Kwid and the Hyundai Eon, are also available with an optional driver-side airbag.
[Source - EconomicTimes]
