Suzuki Expects High Safety Rating for Australian Alto

LAVERTON NORTH, AUSTRALIA – June 1, 2009: Suzuki Australia today moved to reassure the growing list of potential customers for the exciting new Alto sub-light car that it will be among the safest in its category.

“Customers may have seen a story last week about the Alto earning a three star rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP crash testing,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

“The Alto tested was not indicative of the Australian specification car, which will come standard with six airbags, including head protecting side curtain airbags.

“Our engineers have converted the Euro NCAP data to the specific ANCAP criteria for local customers and we’re confident the Australian specification Alto will achieve a four star safety rating.

“We are working closely with ANCAP to have that result verified very shortly.”

Devers said safety was a key priority in every Suzuki vehicle. “Every passenger car in the Suzuki Australia line-up has achieved a minimum four star rating, and we are confident the Alto will maintain the company’s proud safety record.”

The Alto will come standard with six airbags, while the higher specification version will come standard with ESP stability control.

“Not only will the new Alto offer the fuel economy of a hybrid for around a third of the price, it will also be one of the safest cars in its category.”

Devers said the Alto will go on sale on August 1.