New Delhi: A recent safety crash test carried out by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has given the Maruti Suzuki Fronx a one-star safety rating. The test was conducted on the Fronx sold in Australia and New Zealand. The model was launched in New Zealand in June 2025 and later introduced in Australia in August 2025. During the crash test, ANCAP found a seat belt failure in the vehicle, which it described as a “rare and serious” issue. 

Following this, ANCAP informed vehicle safety regulators in both Australia and New Zealand about the problem. The organisation also issued a strong warning, stating, “It is ANCAP’s view that adult and child passengers should not travel in the rear seats of the Suzuki Fronx until the reason for the failure has been determined and relevant rectifications have been carried out.”

According to ANCAP, the one-star rating reflects the Fronx’s overall crash performance. The report highlighted concerns with the vehicle’s structure and its restraint systems, which include seat belts and airbags.

ANCAP crash report

Sales of the Suzuki Fronx have already crossed 1,300 units in Australia, with another 1,000 units sold in New Zealand. ANCAP’s findings therefore affect a significant number of vehicles currently on the road in both countries. It is important to note that the Fronx sold in India has not been tested by Global NCAP or BNCAP (Bharat New Car Assessment Programme). These programmes conduct independent, rating-based crash tests for vehicles sold in India.

Separately, Global NCAP has also tested two other Maruti Suzuki cars under its Safer Cars for India programme. The Celerio hatchback, equipped with six airbags, has scored three stars for adult occupant protection, improving from its earlier two-star result. The Ciaz sedan, however, received only a one-star rating. The test report said the car lacked side head protection, and both its bodyshell and footwell area were rated as unstable.