Suzuki S-Presso rated three stars for adult occupant protection in South Africa

Global NCAP and the Automobile Association of South Africa launch the last result for the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign under its current test protocols today (29 June), with the welcome support of the FIA Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies. As from next month the assessment protocols will be updated to include side impact, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and pedestrian protection requirements.

The Suzuki S-Presso is manufactured in India and scored three stars for adult occupant protection and two stars for child occupant protection.

The model was previously tested by Global NCAP for the Indian market in 2020. It scored a zero star rating for adult occupant protection and two stars for child occupant protection. Following reports that the version of the car sold in South Africa had a better safety performance, Global NCAP decided to put the claims to the test.

The S-Presso in South Africa is fitted with two airbags as standard. During the assessment the S-Presso structure demonstrated an unstable performance and the driver’s chest showed a weak protection level, marginally avoiding a two star rating. Levels of child occupant protection showed the same performance as the version sold in India. The lack of ISOFIX anchorages, lack of a three point belt in all seating positions and the decision of Suzuki Maruti not to recommend a Child Restraint System (CRS) explain this poor child occupant protection score.

Alejandro Furas, Secretary General of Global NCAP said,

“The safety performance of the S-Presso in South Africa has been far from satisfactory and claims of improvement are not reflected in levels of child occupant protection which remain the same as the Indian version we tested in 2020. There has been significant progress with vehicle safety in the Indian market with a welcome requirement for the fitment of six airbags as standard. We hope that Maruti Suzuki will not apply a double standard for the vehicles they sell in Africa compared to those sold in India.”

David Ward, Executive President of the Towards Zero Foundation said,

“As our current test protocols come to an end in Africa it is important to see manufacturers continue their commitment to high standards of vehicle safety. Some continue to do well but we remain disappointed with others. Sadly, Maruti Suzuki fall into this latter category, where the rhetoric on safety is simply not matched by the reality.”

Willem Groenewald, CEO of the AASA said,

“While the adult occupancy result for the S-Presso is encouraging there is room for improvement, especially in relation to the child protection rating. The safety of motorists in South Africa is critical and we welcome the visible efforts by manufacturers in this regard and urge them to continue investing in this important facet of their production.”

Suzuki S-Presso (2 airbags)
Read the full crash test report
Watch the crash test video
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Note to Editors

Safer Cars For Africa Campaign

The #SaferCarsForAfrica Campaign was launched by Global NCAP in 2017 with the objective of promoting safer vehicles across the continent of Africa.

About Global NCAP

Launched in 2011, Global NCAP is a programme of the UK registered charity the Towards Zero Foundation. Global NCAP serves as a platform for cooperation among NCAPs worldwide, providing financial, technical and advocacy support to new programmes in emerging markets.

Global NCAP leads the Stop the Crash Partnership and has consultative status with the UN (ECOSOC), is a member of the UN Road Safety Collaboration and an observer at the UN World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Standards.

In 2016, Global NCAP received the Premier Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for outstanding achievement in vehicle safety. In 2020, the Towards Zero Foundation achieved the Premier Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for the #50by30 advocacy campaign.

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About the Automobile Association of South Africa

The Automobile Association (AA) has been the trusted champion of the South African motorist and traveller for over 85 years. Along with our AA Accredited Sales Agents located countrywide, the AA offers access to over 50 benefits on 1 card as well as other travel and mobility services that extend far beyond 24-hour roadside assistance – from technical and legal advice, to emergency rescue services, roadside security and a mobile app suite. The AA offers specialised apprenticeships to help motor industry players build in-house skill, and short skill courses for individuals.

The Automobile Association of South Africa is a member of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Alliance Internationale de Tourisme (AIT).

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About the FIA Foundation

The FIA Foundation is an independent UK registered charity which supports an international programme of activities promoting road safety, the environment and sustainable mobility. Our aim is to ensure ‘Safe, Clean, Fair and Green’ mobility for all, playing a part to ensure a sustainable future through: promoting research, disseminating the results of research and providing information in any matters of public interest which include road safety, automobile technology, the protection and preservation of human life and public health, transport and public mobility and the protection of the environment; and promoting improvement in the safety of motor sport, and of drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other road users which works globally to promote safe, clean fair and green mobility.

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About Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies works in more than 120 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R.

Bloomberg’s charitable activities, including his foundation and his personal giving. In 2016, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed over half a billion dollars.

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