04 Feb 2015

Suzuki Celerio better but still falls short

A 4 star ANCAP safety rating has today been released for the Suzuki Celerio. While the Australasian-spec Celerio features additional safety equipment to that of its European equivalent, its safety credentials have still prevented it from reaching the maximum 5 star goal.

An ANCAP safety rating was also released for the Hyundai Sonata - 5 stars.

The Suzuki Celerio enters the Australasian market with the addition of head-protecting side curtain airbags and seat belt reminders for both front and second row occupants - features omitted from the European-sold model.

"ANCAP is pleased to see that Suzuki Australia have made the decision to provide Australian and New Zealand consumers with a car which has these additional safety features," said ANCAP Chairman, Mr Lauchlan McIntosh.

"Side curtain airbags are a vital safety feature - particularly effective in reducing the chance of serious head injury in side impacts."

"ANCAP has put pressure on manufacturers to include head-protecting side airbags for many years, introducing this as a mandatory 5 star requirement in 2004. We are happy to see Suzuki's positive response to this pressure even though the Celerio's list of other safety features does not meet ANCAP's requirements for 5 stars," Mr McIntosh added.

Because the Celerio did not have the requisite number of safety assist technologies for 5 stars, it was ineligible for a pole test. Good performance in the pole test is required for a 5 star rating.

Returning to Hyundai's Australasian line-up, the Hyundai Sonata continues the brand's strong safety mantra earning a 5 star ANCAP safety rating for all variants.

"The new Sonata brings excellent all-round safety to our market having cleared the higher hurdles demanded by our 2015 assessment requirements," said Mr McIntosh.

Advanced safety features such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) which is standard on Hyundai's recently launched Genesis is however lacking on the new Sonata.

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

To search individual crash test results for over 510 vehicles, learn more about safety technologies, explore interactive features, watch videos and to download images & media releases visit ancap.com.au. Crash test images and video can be downloaded from ancap.com.au/media-and-gallery.

Hyundai Sonata (2015 - Jun 2020) side impact test at 50km/h

Hyundai Sonata (2015 - Jun 2020) pole test at 29km/h

Hyundai Sonata (2015 - Jun 2020) pole test at 29km/h

Suzuki Celerio (2015 - onwards) frontal offset test at 64km/h

Suzuki Celerio (2015 - onwards) side impact test at 50km/h

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