KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Maruti Alto K10 and S-Presso come with ESP as standard.
- The Alto starts at Rs 3.99 lakh, and the S-Presso starts at Rs 4.26 lakh.
- Read about what an ESP does.
Maruti Suzuki's entry-level cars, such as the Alto K10 and S-Presso, have received the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) safety feature, which is now standard across all variants. Moreover, this upgrade by India's largest automaker will not incur any additional cost for these cars. The 4th generation Maruti Suzuki Swift came with 6 airbags as standard, and now the Alto K10 and S-Presso have received this paramount safety feature as well. Let's learn more about this news below. Meanwhile, be sure to join the 91Wheels WhatsApp Group to never miss out on automotive updates.
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Speaking on this latest move, Mr. Partho Banerjee, the Senior Executive Officer of Marketing and Sales, said, "The addition of Electronic Stability Program+ as a standard feature on Maruti Suzuki product portfolio* aligns with our endeavour to democratize advanced features and it significantly increases the value proposition of our vehicles."
What is the role of ESP?
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) monitors the car's maneuverability via sensors and detects if the car is losing grip and going against the driver's commands. In such cases, the ESP applies brakes and reduces engine power, all to stabilize the car as quickly as possible. For this saftey feature to work, the automobile should also be equipped with ABS, tractional control, stability control.
Weve all seen those videos where a vehicle at high speeds loses grip and quickly slides into the divider. In such cases, the ESP really proves its worth. However, in these situations, more than just external features, the cars weight and chassis play a crucial role. If they are weak, such incidents can happen at any time.
Alto K10 and S-Presso Saftey Ratings?
In 2023, Global NCAP conducted a safety test on the Maruti Alto K10, which scored 2 stars for adult protection and 0 stars for child safety, indicating it is borderline unsafe. In contrast, the Maruti S-Presso performed even worse, receiving 0 star for adult protection and 2 stars for child safety. Clearly, these two mass-market cars are dangerous in terms of safety. Customers of Maruti Suzuki should address this issue and put pressure on the company to create a safer car.
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Verdict
This is a great step by Maruti Suzuki, as features like these are essential in every car today. With the rate of car accidents increasing rapidly, it has become imperative to own a vehicle that is highly safe. ESP will definitely help control the stability of these lightweight cars, but the main issue still revolves around their structure and the materials used to build them. Owning a vehicle that scores 2 stars for child protection and 0 star for adult protection is essentially like owning a two-wheeler. There is no significant difference between these vehicles.
