The latest Suzuki Swift, equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), has received a disappointing 1-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). This result has raised concerns among car buyers and safety advocates alike.
ANCAP’s crash tests revealed that the new Swift scored 47% in Adult Occupant Protection and 59% in Child Occupant Protection. The Vulnerable Road User Protection test yielded 76%, while the Safety Assist test stood at 54%. These scores are significantly lower than those of the Euro-spec Swift, which received a 3-star rating from Euro NCAP.
ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg expressed concerns about the differences in safety specifications between the Australian Swift and its European counterpart. She mentioned that buyers might not be aware of these differences, leading to potential safety risks. The lower scores in the Adult Occupant Protection test were attributed to weak chest protection for the driver and potential injury risks from the dashboard structures.
Despite the low safety rating, the Swift comes equipped with several ADAS features, including lane keep assist, autonomous braking, and more. These features are designed to enhance driver safety and prevent accidents, but the overall crash performance of the vehicle fell short of expectations.
The 1-star rating is a setback for Suzuki, which has been a popular choice among hatchback buyers. The company will need to address the safety concerns raised by ANCAP to regain consumer trust. The Swift’s sedan counterpart, the Dzire, recently received a 5-star rating from Global NCAP, highlighting the disparity in safety performance between the two models.
Suzuki has not yet launched the Swift ADAS trim in India, but the company will likely review the safety specifications to improve the vehicle’s performance in future tests. The Indian market will be watching closely to see if the Swift can meet higher safety standards.
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