Fronx failure long-term threat to Suzuki?

0 0 December 24, 2025 Edit this post

Suzuki's disastrous crash test results for the new Fronx SUV could have long term implications for the company.

The latest offering from the Japanese car maker narrowly reached the threshold for a one-star ANCAP safety rating, following poor performance in key crash tests and low levels of occupant protection for both adults and children.

What's even more worrying, is that a rear seatbelt failed during the full width frontal crash test, sending a dummy slamming into the seat in front.

This component failure has been reported to Australian and New Zealand vehicle safety regulators.

To give this some perspective, Suzuki's sales are down 27 per cent year to date, with a total of 14,460 sales to the end of November.

The much anticipated Fronx went on sale in August, heralded as a "bold new contender in the compact SUV segment, blending style, smarts, and next-generation hybrid technology into one versatile package."

"With all the essential safety features modern drivers expect, it offers an uncompromising approach to protection, ensuring peace of mind on every journey," we were told.

Suzuki's had sold more than 1600 Fronx at last count, but sales are likely to stall after the car's shocking ANCAP result.

In fact, Suzuki has already issued a voluntary recall for the car, at least those that have been identified risk.

Either way, Fronx remains far from safe.

Suzuki says it has launched a thorough investigation and is working directly with Suzuki Motor Corporation in Hamamatsu, Japan, and Suzuki New Zealand -- to fully understand the ANCAP testing outcomes.

This review is being progressed with urgency and at the highest levels of the organisation, said Suzuki Australia's general manager, Michael Pachota.

It appears that the functionality of the rear seat belt retractor mechanism may not perform as designed and as a potential consequence excessive belt length may release in the event of collision.

This may result in injury, Pachota said.

"Suzuki Motor Corporation are committed to transparency and safety of Suzuki owners and drivers throughout Australia and New Zealand, and are taking the necessary steps to ensure all affected vehicles are addressed as soon as possible," he said.

This comes at a time when established manufacturers are coming under increasing pressure from cheaper Chinese rivals.

The result could have a disastrous effect on longterm sales -- and indeed the future of the company in Australia.

We contacted Mr Pachota for further comment.

Please see this link for more information about the recall: REC-006520 - SUZUKI AUSTRALIA PTY LTD - SUZUKI Fronx - A3L415 2025 | Vehicle Recalls.