Euro-spec 2017 Suzuki Swift scores 3 stars in Euro NCAP

The all-new India-bound Suzuki Swift scores 3 stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. 

Usually, when a made-for-India car goes for Euro NCAP crash tests, the end results are mostly distressing, to say the least. But, with Indian consumers now becoming more aware than ever, car manufacturers can no longer afford to short-change buyers and get away with it. And this means new products are expected to perform well in the safety department.

Now the latest car that’s been crash tested by NCAP is none other than the country’s beloved hatchback, the Swift, in its all-new avatar. The brand new hatchback received a 3-star rating from Euro NCAP. The 2017 Swift that was crash tested was a 1.2-litre petrol variant that came equipped with six airbags, seat-belt tensioners and ISOFIX rear child seat mounts. The test results reveal the car scored 83 per cent for adult occupants safety, 75 per cent for child occupants, 69 per cent for pedestrians and 25 per cent for safety assist (seat belt reminder & other warning alarms).

According to the statement released by Euro NCAP regarding the new Swift’s performance, the passenger compartment of the car remained stable in the frontal offset test with good protection of the knees and femurs of both the driver and passenger. Tests on the front seats and head restraints showed good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision, but the rear seats indicated poor whiplash protection for passengers at the back. NCAP also crash tested another model of the new Swift that came fitted with optional “Radar Brake Support”. Because of the optional safety pack’s autonomous emergency braking system, the car scored 4 stars.

The next-gen Swift is based on the firm’s latest and lighter ‘Heartect’ platform that also underpins the Baleno, Ignis and the recently launched DZire in India. The new Swift will enter our market in 2018, and will be powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engines like the current model. However, from the safety point of view, there’s still a big question mark over its credentials...

You see, the India-spec version is unlikely to come with six airbags or the optional safety pack with autonomous emergency braking. Instead, it’s likely to come with dual airbags and ABS as standard just like the new DZire. Also, do keep in mind the fact that the new Swift that has scored 3 stars in NCAP rating is Euro-spec. And if memory serves you right, then you might recall that the last-generation Swift sold in Europe scored full 5 stars in crash tests, whereas, the same car sold in India (without airbags) was awarded a big fat zero. Most importantly, though, the India-spec Swift's bodyshell was rated unstable in the event of a crash. Now, all we can hope is that this is not the case with the upcoming model.

Also read: Skoda Kodiaq scores 5 stars in Euro NCAP