The 2023 Maruti Suzuki Swift receives a one-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests.
Under the previous testing protocol of Global NCAP, the Swift had achieved a safety rating of 2 stars in 2018.
Once again subjected to testing by Global NCAP, the Maruti Suzuki Swift has received a disappointing 1-star rating for both adult and child occupant protection. The evaluation took place under Global NCAP’s more rigorous protocols implemented in July of this year, with the Swift, along with the Ignis, S Presso, and the Mahindra Scorpio N, being among the second batch of cars tested under these stricter standards.
In the assessment, the Swift scored 19.19 out of 34 for adult occupant protection and 16.68 out of 49 for child occupant protection. Notably, the body shell of the Swift was deemed unstable. The tested model was manufactured in India for the domestic market and featured dual front airbags, seat belt pretensioners, rear ISOFIX anchorages, and seat belt reminders.
It’s worth mentioning that the current-generation Swift had previously undergone testing by GNCAP in 2018 in its pre-facelift form, achieving 2-star ratings for both adult and child occupant protection.
Importantly, these ratings also extend to the Dzire compact sedan, as both models share the same platform and are sibling models.
2023 Maruti Suzuki Swift GNCAP: Adult occupant crash test results explained
In the 2022 Swift’s assessment, it earned a score of 19.19 out of a possible 34 points in adult occupant protection, encompassing both a frontal offset deformable barrier test and a side movable deformable barrier test, where it achieved 6.3 and 12.9 points, respectively.
In the frontal impact test, GNCAP highlighted the Swift’s effective protection for the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck. However, it noted weak chest protection for the driver and adequate protection for the passenger. The knees of both the driver and the passenger showed marginal protection, with potential contact with hazardous structures behind the dashboard. On the positive side, the passenger’s left knee received good protection. In the side impact test, the Swift exhibited good head, abdomen, and pelvis protection, but chest protection was rated as poor.
GNCAP observed that both the footwell area and the bodyshell were unstable, incapable of withstanding additional loadings. These findings echoed similarities with the Swift’s previous crash tests. The 2018 pre-facelift Swift also exhibited high compression to the driver’s chest, an unstable structure, and poor footwell area protection.
Under Global NCAP’s new testing protocols, cars are required to undergo a side pole impact test. However, this was omitted for the Swift, as it lacks side head protection, even as an option. The Swift also lacks Electronic Stability Control as a standard feature, making it ineligible for safety assist systems testing. Lastly, it does not adhere to UN127 or GTR9 pedestrian protection norms.
2023 Maruti Suzuki Swift GNCAP child occupant crash test results explained
In terms of child occupant protection, the Swift achieved a score of 16.68 out of a possible 49, comprising a dynamic score of 12.82 points and a Child Restraint System (CRS) installation score of 3.86 points.
The evaluation involved testing the Swift with both an 18-month-old child dummy and a 3-year-old child dummy, both positioned facing forward in child seats at the rear. For the 3-year-old child dummy, the child seats effectively prevented excessive forward movement, providing good protection to the head and marginal protection to the chest. However, concerning the 18-month-old dummy, it exhibited poor protection for both the head and chest. Once again, these outcomes mirror the child occupant protection observed in the 2018 Swift.
The Swift is equipped with standard ISOFIX anchorages exclusively for the two outer rear seats, lacking this feature for the front passenger seat. Additionally, it does not include a three-point seat belt for the rear passenger situated in the middle.
Old and new crash test scores are not directly comparable
Global NCAP’s updated protocols encompass a broader range of factors during car crash testing, including mandatory compliance with pedestrian protection norms, the standard inclusion of Electronic Stability Control (ESC), side impact tests, a more rigorous evaluation of chest load readings on crash test dummies, and side impact tests for child dummies. In contrast, GNCAP’s prior assessment relied solely on a single frontal offset crash test.
As a result, the Swift’s new score is not directly comparable to the old score. However, lacking upgrades to either active or passive safety features, the Swift fails to meet the heightened standards introduced. This explains the decline in the Swift’s safety rating from the previous 2 stars to the current 1-star rating.
Also Check –
Maruti Suzuki Ignis NCAP rating
Comparison between Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Maruti Suzuki Swift