The Suzuki Swift has improved its safety profile following recent upgrades, shedding its previous one-star crash test rating. The Australian market will soon see the updated models, which have received a notable two-star increase in their safety ratings from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). Despite the enhancements, Suzuki Australia has confirmed that there will be no changes to the pricing of the vehicle.
The revised ANCAP testing protocols for the period of 2023-2025 have allowed the Swift to achieve a new rating, reflecting significant safety enhancements. Previously, the fourth-generation Swift, which was launched in 2024, received a one-star rating due to fewer safety features compared to its European counterpart. The earlier evaluation indicated a score of 47 percent for adult occupant protection, 54 percent for safety assist, and 59 percent for child occupant protection. In contrast, the vulnerable road user protection score was a commendable 76 percent.
In Europe, the Suzuki Swift achieved a three-star rating, with scores of 67 percent for adult occupant protection, 62 percent for safety assist, and 65 percent for child occupant protection, all while maintaining the same 76 percent for vulnerable road user protection. The updated Australian models will align more closely with the European specifications, incorporating additional front-end reinforcements that were absent in the initial versions tested in Australia.
A spokesperson from Suzuki Australia explained, “The updated ANCAP three-star rating reflects changes to the Australian-spec Swift, which now incorporates the same safety reinforcements as the Euro-spec model.” These modifications were made to ensure alignment with European standards, rather than in response to ANCAP’s initial assessment.
Despite the improvements, the Swift still lacks certain features, such as a centre airbag, which could further elevate its ANCAP rating. Suzuki Australia has indicated that there are currently no plans to enhance the existing model with additional safety features. Previously, the Swift had enjoyed a five-star ANCAP rating for models sold between June 2017 and July 2024, although this was under older testing standards.
In the current competitive landscape, the Swift faces rivals such as the Mazda 2, which is currently unrated due to the expiration of its previous five-star rating in 2022. The MG 3 has also upgraded its rating to four stars from three, leaving the Toyota Yaris as the only five-star rated vehicle in this segment, albeit with a rating established in 2020.
The ANCAP ratings are subject to a six-year expiry, which allows for accurate comparisons as testing protocols evolve. In addition to the Swift, Suzuki has no vehicles currently holding valid ANCAP ratings, including the recently launched Fronx crossover SUV, which competes with the Kia Stonic and Hyundai Venue. Ratings for the Vitara and Jimny have also expired.
Suzuki’s production of the Ignis, S-Cross, and Swift Sport ceased earlier this year, as these models did not meet the new Australian Design Rule (ADR) requirements for autonomous emergency braking, effective from March 1, 2025. The updated version of the three-door Jimny, compliant with the new regulations, is anticipated to launch in the first quarter of 2026, including additional safety features to match its five-door counterpart, which has yet to be assessed by ANCAP.
The enhancements to the Suzuki Swift reflect the brand’s commitment to improving safety standards in alignment with international benchmarks while maintaining competitive pricing for consumers.
