New Suzuki Swift Scores Zero Stars in Latin NCAP Car Crash Test

The Latin NCAP recently tested the latest model of the Suzuki Swift, which is marketed in Latin America, and, sadly, the India-made model received a zero-star safety rating. The tested base variant of the Swift is manufactured both in India, at the Gujarat facility, and in Japan and gets two airbags, ABS, and ISOFIX. It also needs to be mentioned here that the Maruti Swift on sale in India scored two stars in the safety rating in 2018.

The popular hatchback was evaluated for frontal and side collision protection, as well as whiplash and pedestrian protection. The vehicle received a score of 15.53 per cent for adult occupant protection and a score of zero per cent for child occupant protection. Furthermore, the car scored a pedestrian protection score of 66.9 per cent and a safety assist score of 6.98 per cent. According to NCAP, the testing results are applicable to both hatchback and sedan body styles.

According to the Latin NCAP assessment, the zero-star rating is due to insufficient side impact protection and an open door throughout the test. The car's whiplash score was also poor owing to the absence of UN32 proof for the rear impact test, the lack of standard side head protection airbags, the lack of standard ESC, and Suzuki's decision not to suggest CRS for the test. It further said that the automobile would not meet Regulation UN95 standards owing to the door opening.

The Latin New Car Assessment Programme (Latin NCAP) was established in 2010 with the goal of creating a regional system of independent crashworthiness and safety ratings for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Latin NCAP replicates consumer testing programmes that have been shown to be highly effective in improving car safety in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia over the previous thirty years.