Identifies serious safety performance problems discovered in the Fronx during ANCAP crash testing.
Explains how the one-star rating undermines trust and brings up more general safety issues.
The Australasian New Car evaluation Program (ANCAP) has conducted safety testing on the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, a popular small SUV in a number of regions, in accordance with the 2023–25 evaluation standards.
The model received a one-star safety rating, which was a disappointing result because it revealed significant inadequacies in occupant protection. For cars manufactured starting in March 2025, this score applies to all models marketed in Australia and New Zealand.
Weak Performance and Adult Occupant Protection
The Fronx received a score of 19.30 out of 40 in tests measuring adult occupant safety. The passenger cabin was largely stable during the frontal offset crash test, although there were issues with the driver's poor chest protection and the driver's inadequate foot protection due to excessive pedal movement. Although both front passengers' upper leg protection was just mediocre, the front passenger performed better.
The rear seatbelt retractor failed in the full-width frontal impact test, which was a serious problem. The rear crash test dummy was able to advance and strike the seat ahead due to this failure, which resulted in extremely subpar rear occupant protection outcomes. As a result, the maximum score for this section of the test was set at zero for that scenario.
Child Safety Is Not Enough
The Fronx's kid protection ratings were similarly alarming. It had a low score of 20.06 out of 49, or 40%. The head and neck protection of the six-year-old and ten-year-old dummies in the frontal test was subpar. The frontal score for child safety was thus restricted at zero in this category as a result of these results.
Although the car has top tether mounts and ISOFIX anchorages for child seats, safety experts pointed out that the absence of rear seatbelt pretensioners, tightening devices that secure seatbelts in an accident, may have seriously impaired the effectiveness of child restraints.
More General Safety Context and Market Response
The low rating has been acknowledged. Sales of the Fronx have been temporarily suspended in certain nations, including New Zealand, while owners and authorities get safety advice.
The Fronx previously received a four-star safety rating under Japan's NCAP assessment, which highlights how crash test procedures and safety standards differ internationally. It's interesting to note that this one-star outcome contradicts previous tests from other locations.
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