Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 22 December 2025
UPDATE: Suzuki New Zealand was contacted for comment, and it will reportedly be releasing an update on this ANCAP situation today.
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has given the Suzuki Fronx a one-star safety rating.
According to ANCAP, the Fronx “narrowly” reached the threshold required for this one-star rating, following its poor performance in key crash tests.
On top of these findings, ANCAP also reported what it describes as a “serious and separate safety concern” with a rear seatbelt retractor failing during the test.
The seatbelt issue in question is a failed retractor that caused the rear dummy to become unrestrained, and strike the back of the front seat.
Aside from the issue described in the report, the Fronx scored 48 per cent in front occupant protection, 40 per cent in child occupant protection, 65 per cent in vulnerable road user protection, and 55 per cent in safety assist.
ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg, said the findings highlight the importance of independent vehicle safety testing.
“The seatbelt component failure is rare and serious. ANCAP exists to give consumers confidence, and when our tests reveal results of this nature, we will act in their best interest by communicating our findings promptly and transparently.
“ANCAP’s view is 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.”
ANCAP also reports that over 1,000 Suzuki Fronx vehicles have been sold in New Zealand since its launch.
Speaking on the one-star rating, a spokesperson from Suzuki New Zealand said:
“Suzuki Australia and Suzuki New Zealand acknowledges the recent ANCAP assessment of the 2025 FRONX Hybrid and is taking decisive action, including a thorough investigation, as customer safety is non-negotiable and remains Suzuki’s highest priority across Australia and New Zealand.
“Suzuki New Zealand has elevated the review of this assessment to a matter of immediate focus and is working directly with Suzuki Motor Corporation in Hamamatsu, Japan, and Suzuki Australia to fully understand the ANCAP testing outcomes.
“This review is being progressed with urgency and at the highest levels of the organisation.
“A thorough and disciplined investigation is underway, and Suzuki will take any actions required to uphold our safety standards and the trust our customers place in our brand.”
The Fronx is now described as “currently unavailable” on Suzuki New Zealand’s website.
