Suzuki Celerio sold here won’t have three-star crash score

Suzuki Australia has confirmed the all-new model - which scored only three stars in the most recent round of testing by the European NCAP safety watchdog - is expected to receive a four-star Australasian NCAP (ANCAP) rating when the local version's additional safety gear is taken in to account.

A release from the Japanese brand stated the new Celerio will be fitted with side curtain airbags, which aren't standard in Europe and contributed to the car's low score. The new Celerio will also be fitted with a rear seatbelt warning system.

"With these features, we are certain that when crash tested, the Australian spec Celerio will receive 4 stars from ANCAP," a release from the brand said.

According to Suzuki Australia general manager Andrew Moore, the new Celerio will offer competitive safety in its segment, despite not improving on the existing Alto's four-star ANCAP crash score.

“Suzuki Australia place vehicle safety as an absolute priority and always ensure our vehicles for Australian customers are fitted with the highest possible safety features for the segment, as evidenced in our seven-airbag Swift," he said.

"The new Celerio will be no exception and will feature dual front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control and more as standard,” Moore said.

The Celerio will carry over the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine seen in the current Alto, with 50kW of power and 90Nm of torque. Unlike the current four-seat Alto, the new Celerio is a five-seat hatch which is slightly larger in all directions.

The Celerio will be joined by a second all-new Suzuki later in 2015 when the new Suzuki Vitara compact SUV joins the brand's Australian range.