Suzuki is being called out by safety authorities for lagging behind on vehicle safety standards. The Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) and Euro NCAP have stated that there’s no real excuse for budget-focused automakers to avoid five-star safety ratings, with Suzuki specifically named as a brand that could do more.
The Core of the Issue
The debate isn’t about the cost of safety tech, but rather about effort. According to ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg, automakers can achieve top ratings within existing price points if they prioritize it. The idea is that manufacturers can engineer vehicles to meet higher standards without necessarily making them unaffordable. This is especially relevant now because safety standards are evolving, and some brands are clearly keeping up better than others.
Recent Failures
Suzuki’s latest performance has been under scrutiny. The electric e Vitara received a four-star Euro NCAP rating, but several models tested by ANCAP have fared much worse:
– The new-generation Swift launched with a one-star rating in 2024, later upgraded to three stars after additional safety features were added.
– The Suzuki Fronx was also rated at one star, failing a key test where a rear seatbelt mounting failed, resulting in a dummy head impact.
These results raise questions about Suzuki’s commitment to safety in the Australian market.
What Experts Say
ANCAP doesn’t believe cost is the real barrier. Hoorweg points out that some Suzuki models have achieved better ratings, proving that the company has the engineering capability to build safer cars. The difference, she says, is dedication. “The ones who put in the work can do it.”
Euro NCAP also suggests that “dual ratings” can help manage costs, implying that manufacturers can prioritize safety in certain regions or trims without raising prices across the board.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about ratings; it’s about consumer protection. A one-star rating means a vehicle provides minimal crash protection compared to a five-star model. For budget-conscious buyers, this is critical because they may be unknowingly accepting a higher risk of injury or death in an accident. The fact that Suzuki has previously produced five-star vehicles makes the current situation even more concerning, suggesting that safety isn’t always a top priority.
Suzuki Australia has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Ultimately, the message from safety authorities is clear: automakers can achieve higher safety ratings if they choose to invest the time and resources. The question now is whether Suzuki will respond to this pressure and prioritize the safety of its customers.
