The Suzuki Fronx has received a one-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) after a rare and serious seatbelt failure was identified during official crash testing. Safety concerns emerge as Suzuki prepares for its upcoming Pakistan launch.
Following the results, Australia’s leading vehicle safety authority has advised passengers to avoid travelling in the rear seats of the compact SUV until further investigations are completed.
The 2026 Suzuki Fronx, which entered the Australian market earlier this year, recorded one of the lowest safety scores in the small SUV category.
According to ANCAP, testing revealed that one of the rear passenger seatbelts failed during a frontal crash test, causing the rear-seat crash test dummy to become completely unrestrained. Such failures are considered extremely uncommon and raise major safety concerns.
Before the seatbelt malfunction occurred, the Fronx had already performed poorly in the full-width frontal impact test, earning zero points for child occupant protection.
Both the six-year-old and 10-year-old child dummies recorded high head acceleration and excessive neck tension, contributing significantly to the vehicle’s low overall rating.
ANCAP chief executive officer Carla Hoorweg described the incident as serious and concerning, stating that the organization’s role is to ensure transparency and protect consumers. She warned that the seatbelt failure could have resulted in severe consequences in a real-world crash scenario.
ANCAP has therefore recommended that neither adults nor children should occupy the rear seats of the Suzuki Fronx until the cause of the failure is identified and corrective measures are implemented.
In terms of category scores, the Fronx achieved 48 percent for Adult Occupant Protection, 40 percent for Child Occupant Protection, 65 percent for Vulnerable Road User Protection, and 55 percent for Safety Assist technologies.
Suzuki Australia responded swiftly to the findings, stating that it has elevated the issue to an urgent priority. The company confirmed it is working closely with Suzuki Motor Corporation in Japan and Suzuki New Zealand to fully assess the test results.
A detailed investigation is underway, and Suzuki has pledged to take all necessary steps to maintain its safety standards and customer trust.
This marks the second Suzuki model in the past year to receive a one-star ANCAP rating, following the Suzuki Swift in December 2024. While the Swift later improved its rating after safety upgrades, Suzuki Australia currently has no vehicles with a five-star ANCAP rating, with several popular models remaining unrated.
What This Means for Pakistani Buyers?
The Suzuki Fronx isn’t just making headlines overseas — it’s officially on course for a local launch in Pakistan. Pak Suzuki unveiled the Fronx XUV at the Pakistan Auto Show (PAPS) 2025, confirming plans for a May 2026 launch with local assembly under Pakistan’s “Made in Pakistan” initiative.
This debut marks a major step for Suzuki Pakistan as it expands beyond its traditional lineup of hatchbacks into the increasingly competitive compact SUV segment.
With customers rapidly shifting toward crossover-style vehicles that blend style, practicality and fuel economy, the Fronx is expected to attract strong interest — especially among young professionals and families looking to upgrade within an affordable budget range.
However, the recent one-star ANCAP rating and seatbelt failure in crash testing abroad could influence perceptions among safety-conscious Pakistani buyers.
While international test results don’t directly reflect the locally assembled model’s specifications or safety equipment, they highlight areas where Suzuki may need to reassure consumers — particularly around occupant protection standards. ANCAP itself has advised caution until the issue is fully resolved.
For prospective car buyers in Pakistan, the introduction of the Fronx presents both excitement and a reminder to weigh safety performance alongside price, features and fuel efficiency.
As the launch date approaches, local auto analysts expect Suzuki Pakistan to emphasise enhanced safety features and transparent communication to build confidence among Pakistani motorists.