The new Suzuki Swift hatchback has scored a three-star rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP safety tests. This is the model fitted with the standard equipment which includes nine airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and seat belt load limiters. It has achieved its highest score of 83 per cent in adult occupant safety while the lowest rating of 25 per cent has come in safety assistance. The car that was tested is a 1.2-litre petrol model in RHD configuration and it will be the one that will come to India.
However, Euro NCAP has also tested a Swift with a safety pack whose main feature is radar brake support. This car achieved a higher score of 88 per cent in adult occupant safety as well as in safety assist where it got a score of 44 per cent. This car too was a RHD spec 1.2-litre petrol engine model.
Maruti Suzuki has already standardised dual front airbags across most of its models for the Indian market and the new Swift is expected to join the list. However, if they do introduce the option of nine airbags, then it will be an excellent thing for the Indian market. After all, it usually is Maruti Suzuki, by virtue of being the biggest in India, which sets a trend that other manufacturers tend to follow.
