Watch: New Suzuki on SA market gets ‘zero-star’ crash test safety rating

Automotive safety experts have blasted the Indian arm of Suzuki’s operations, after their Maruti S-Presso model flunked its crash test. The new hatchback – which was shipped to South Africa at the beginning of 2020 – received a rare ‘zero-star rating’ from the Global NCAP authorities. Hyundai and Kia also saw some vehicles get an unflattering review:

SA’s ‘new car on the block’ shown-up in crash test

Back in January, the Suzuki model – complete with BS6-compliant 1.0-litre, three-cylinder K10 petrol engine – left India to go on sale in three other international markets, which included Mzansi:

“Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, has announced that it has begun shipments of the car to Latin America, South Africa, and the Asian region – all left-hand-drive markets. The consignments are being despatched from the Mundra port, located on the northern shores of the Kutch district in Gujarat.”

AutoCar India, 24 January 2020

Maruti S-Presso: Why is this new Suzuki model getting a zero-star safety rating?

• Passenger’s neck showed poor protection in the crash test – which was vital in giving the zero-star rating.
• For adult ratings, Driver’s chest showed poor protection, and passenger’s chest showed weak protection.
• Driver’s knees showed marginal protection as they could impact with dangerous structures behind the dashboard.
• Furthermore, the driver’s tibias showed weak and marginal protection.
• The bodyshell was rated as unstable and ‘incapable of withstanding further loadings’
• Child protections fared slightly better, but their ‘two-star rating’ is not something to write home about.

Watch: Maruti S-Presso spectacularly fails its crash test

Suzuki slammed by authorities

Needless to say, the Global NCAP representatives are very upset with Suzuki and this safety rating. Although the model shipped to South Africa does add the passenger-side airbags, driver protections remain frighteningly inadequate:

“It is very disappointing that Maruti Suzuki offers such low safety performance for consumers. Other domestic manufacturers have demonstrated high levels of safety and protection for their customers, both achieving five-star performance. Surely, it’s time for Maruti Suzuki to demonstrate this commitment to safety for its customers?

Global NCAP Secretary General, Alejandro Furas