Australia’s leading independent vehicle safety advocate, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), has welcomed Suzuki’s efforts to improve vehicle safety with the announcement of 5-star ratings for the all-new Swift and 2011 model Kizashi.

The ratings are based on crash tests conducted by ANCAP or its sister program, EuroNCAP, based on international crash testing protocols.

Launched in February to critical acclaim, the all new Swift boasts class-leading safety with seven airbags including driver knee airbag and Electronic Stability Control as standard.

“The all new Swift is the epitome of Suzuki’s philosophy that driving a compact car does not mean having to settle for less,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.  

“Safety remained a top priority for Suzuki engineers when designing the new Swift package. And thanks to its renowned sporty handling, the new Swift also leads the pack when it comes to fun, exhilarating driving.”

The mid-size Kizashi also advances to the 5-star club following a minor upgrade to the 2011 range including the introduction of a driver knee airbag and audible front seatbelt reminders. The upgrade sees seven airbags and ESC now standard across the Kizashi model range.

ANCAP Chair, Lauchlan McIntosh, congratulated Suzuki for focussing on safety in its 2011 models and said it was pleasing to see more manufacturers stepping up to the 5-star mark.

“ANCAP works well with all sectors of the automotive industry in identifying important safety features, advocating for their incorporation into production processes, and then testing the new vehicles to see if they are up to the 5-star mark,” Mr McIntosh said.

“Crash tests showed the Swift and the Kizashi held the shape of the passenger compartment well. Occupants were well protected with seven airbags, including a driver knee airbag.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, all Australian state governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.