Suzuki Swift Crash Test: 6 Airbags, 3 Stars

Do Not Miss It!: Our comprehensive First Drive Review of the 2018 Maruti Swift

UPDATE: Everything you need to know about the 2018 Maruti Swift

The Euro NCAP has crash-tested the Suzuki Swift, and the results are nothing to write home about. The 'standard' Swift scored an average three stars, whereas the variant with an optional 'safety pack' scored a respectable four.

Before we get on with the individual scores with regards to driver and passenger safety, let's take a look at the Swift that was crash-tested. Euro NCAP chose the 'GL' trim of the hatch for the test. This particular trim is equipped with a total of 6 airbags that include dual front, side and curtain airbags. The new Swift is underpinned by the same 'Heartect' platform we've seen in the Baleno and the all-new Dzire. Notably, the crash-test mule had a kerb weight of 855kgs.

Recommended Read: 2017 Maruti Dzire Review

NCAP observed that the passenger compartment remained stable in a frontal offset impact. There was adequate protection for the knees and femurs of the front occupants. The official crash test report also noted that, in the case of the head-on 'full width' crash test at 50kmph, 'protection of the chest was marginal, both for the driver and the rear seat passenger.' Notably, protection of critical body areas was rated good / adequate for the same test.

The silver lining is that the Swift scored full marks in the side barrier and side pole test, protecting occupants as required. In a rear-end collision test, the front headrests offered adequate protection, but the rear headrests 'indicated poor whiplash protection'. Final scores stood at 83 per cent for adult occupant safety, 75 percent for child occupant protection, 69 percent for pedestrian safety and 25 percent for safety assists. The score for safety assists was bumped up to 44 per cent for the Swift with the 'safety pack' that included radar-based braking.

While these figures seem alright, it is key to note that the India-spec car is likely to feature a maximum of two airbags. Under identical test parameters, that alone will cause a drop in rating since scores for side impact crash tests won't yield a favourable result. Also, we expected the Swift to fare a notch better compared to the Baleno that scored just as many stars despite having four airbags instead of six.