The Suzuki Baleno earned zero stars out of five at the Latin NCAP crash test, while the Toyota Yaris earned one more than that.
The Baleno (you may watch the video to refresh what it looks like) scored 20% in adult protection, 17% in child protection, and 64% in pedestrian safety. The performance of OEM safety features proved downright abysmal: the crew tested a trim level with two airbags and ABS, and it barely managed to get 7%.
Five years ago, the entry-level Suzuki Baleno scored three stars in Europe, while its higher spec with a range of safety features scored four. The latter version offered six airbags, stability control, and optional AEB. It vanished from the EU market in 2020, though.
We dread to say this, but the Toyota Yaris for Latin America actually looks not that bad compared to the Suzuki: it received 41% for adult protection, 64% for child protection, 62% for pedestrian safety, and 42% for safety system performance. Do note that all of the above still means one star out of five in the general rating.
The last time we heard of a Latin American vehicle flop so hard at an NCAP test was in August, when the Renault Duster produced in Brazil brought home a grand total of zero stars. That one had its b-pillar crumpled into a mess of metal after a lateral impact, and leaked fuel following a head-on collision.