The 3rd generation Maruti Suzuki Swift has scored Zero stars at a crash test conducted by Global NCAP. This news has come across as a shocker considering that the hatchback is a popular choice new car most buyers in India.
Alejandro Furas, Global NCAP technical director said “Maruti Suzuki proved with the Brezza that they can produce locally models with high safety performance. They should do the same with the Swift and at least make it available in the model range added safety features available as standard in the European and Japanese version”.
Global NCAP says the two star rating is a result of an unstable structure and poor protection for the feet explained by pedal displacement in the crash. It also scored 2 stars in child occupant protection that was the result of an 18 year old dummy in forward facing position getting low protection to the chest.
In comparison to its predecessor tested by Global NCAP in 2014, the new Swift offers two airbags and I-size approved anchorage points for child safety seats as standard which demonstrated a two star performance in safety tests.
Try comparing the Indian crash test results to its twin model in the European markets and you will realise that the Indian Swift underperformed says Global NCAP. The poor results were reasoned out to being lack of safety features available as standard on the European model.
The Euro Spec Swift receives safety features such as side body, curtain airbags and electronic stability control as standard in Europe, while in India are not even optional.
David Ward, Global NCAP Secretary General said: “The latest version of the Swift sold in India has improved and it is good to see dual airbags as standard. This confirms the beneficial effect of the Indian Government’s new crash test regulations. But the performance of the Swift sold in Europe and Japan shows that a better safety performance is still possible so Global NCAP would like to see Maruti Suzuki aim higher.”
Another point noting is that last month, The Vitara Brezza underwent a similar crash test where in the SUV scored 4 stars thereby proving that Maruti Suzuki can build stronger cars for India.
