Suzuki Swift Scores 1-Star Rating in ANCAP Safety Test
The Suzuki Swift, a popular compact hatchback, has received a disappointing 1-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) in its latest round of testing. The result highlights concerns about the vehicle’s crash safety performance and lack of advanced safety features, raising questions about its competitiveness in the global market.
Why the Low Score?
The Swift’s low rating primarily stems from its poor performance in key safety categories:
- Adult Occupant Protection: The Swift achieved a score of just 47% in this category. While the structure of the cabin remained relatively stable during frontal offset crash tests, ANCAP noted suboptimal protection levels for the chest and legs of adult occupants.
- Child Occupant Protection: Scoring 59%, the Swift fell short in providing adequate protection for younger passengers, especially in scenarios involving side-impact crashes. The limited availability of ISOFIX anchor points across all variants also contributed to the lower score.
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: The car scored 54% in this category, reflecting concerns about pedestrian and cyclist safety in the event of a collision. The design of the front structure was criticized for its limited energy-absorbing capability.
Industry and Consumer Reactions
This 1-star rating comes as a stark contrast to the Swift’s reputation as a popular, budget-friendly city car. Safety experts have expressed concern, especially given the growing emphasis on comprehensive safety in small cars. Consumers are increasingly seeking vehicles that balance affordability with robust safety systems, a balance the Swift appears to miss in this iteration.
Critics have pointed out that competitors in the same segment, such as the Toyota Yaris and Hyundai i20, have outperformed the Swift in safety assessments, boasting higher ANCAP ratings due to better-equipped safety packages and stronger structural integrity.
Global Variations in Safety Standards
Interestingly, Suzuki Swift models in different regions come equipped with varying safety features depending on local regulations and market demands. For example, Swift variants sold in Europe typically include more advanced safety tech, enabling them to achieve better safety scores under the Euro NCAP. This disparity underscores the need for standardizing safety features across all markets.
What This Means for the Future of the Swift
The 1-star ANCAP rating is expected to impact the Swift’s market perception in regions like Australia and New Zealand, where safety ratings play a significant role in purchasing decisions. Suzuki may face pressure to introduce updates, such as integrating ADAS features across all trims and improving structural design, to regain consumer confidence.
As for India, the 2024 Swift has not been tested under the BNCAP or GNCAP yet. On the flipside, the Suzuki Dzire which is sold in India has scored an impressive 5-star rating in the GNCAP tests. Naturally, customers expect that the Swift will also do well in the tests. However, we will have to wait and see what the results are for the India-spec model until it is actually sent for testing.