Suzuki Australia: ‘Safety is top priority’ despite ANCAP blows

The boss of Suzuki Australia claims that safety is still “first and foremost” for the Japanese brand, despite none of its products carrying the five-star ANCAP safety rating and there have been recent safety recalls.

In conversation with Daily SparkzGeneral manager of Suzuki’s local arm, Michael Pachota, said the brand is “absolutely” committed to vehicle safety, although none of the brand’s vehicles currently carry a five-star rating.

“Safety is of the utmost importance to Suzuki, it absolutely is. We follow all the regulations of every country we distribute products in – in Australia we comply with all of these requirements,” Mr Pachota said.

Daily Sparkz You can save thousands on a new car. Click Here to get a great deal.

“I think from a local perspective our recent safety ratings have been a function of criteria changes, to the point where vehicles based on their current specifications three, four, five years ago would have met all the requirements to (get a five-star ANCAP rating).”

“But with that in mind, we are also taking this into account and taking it into account going forward when it comes to adding more safety features to our vehicles in the future,” Mr Pachota added.

Currently in Australia, only the Suzuki Fronx and Suzuki carry valid ANCAP safety ratings – one and three stars respectively. The Swift’s three-star result is the result of ongoing changes made from September 2025 to bring the Australian model into line with European safety specifications, after the lightweight hatch received a one-star rating in May 2024.

A number of recently launched Suzuki Fronx models have also been the subject of a significant safety recall due to a manufacturing defect that can cause the rear seat belt to fail in the event of an accident.