Suzuki stops deliveries of its Celerio hatch after two brake test failures

THE brakes failed on two Suzuki Celerios during a magazine test in the UK and now the company has halted deliveries in Australia.

Carsguide 7284m Suzuki Celerio Picture: Supplied

SUZUKI Australia has delayed the introduction of its new budget priced small car, the $13,990 Celerio — the cheapest vehicle from a mainstream brand — after a UK magazine experienced brake failure on two cars during testing.

Just 105 Suzuki Celerio hatchbacks have arrived in Australia and another 50 are on the water, but none have been delivered to customers.

Suzuki Australia says it is investigating the problem and won’t deliver cars until they are fixed or given the all-clear.

“Safety is a top priority for Suzuki and we have stopped delivery of the cars as a precaution until the issue is investigated,” said Suzuki Australia boss Andrew Moore. “The car will not go on sale until we are satisfied there are no issues.”

Suzuki says there have been no brake problems reported by owners of several thousand Celerios sold in left-hand-drive markets in the past few months.

The Suzuki Celerio is made in India and Thailand; Australia sources its cars from Thailand.

A statement from Suzuki UK’s office said: “With reference to the condition experienced when carrying out an emergency braking test by a journalist from Autocar magazine … Suzuki is carrying out an immediate investigation into the cause of this condition. The condition was experienced during an emergency brake test from very high speed and relates to retraction of the brake pedal.”

Autocar magazine was testing the Suzuki Celerio at the Millbrook Proving Ground, a closed road circuit also used by car manufacturers for testing.

One of the tests by the magazine is an emergency stop from 80mph, or 129 km/h.

“This allows for assessment of the car’s behaviour during heavy braking, the functionality of its stability systems and the stopping distance and time itself,” Autocar magazine reported.

During the first full-force braking test however, the magazine found all stopping power was “immediately lost upon application of the brakes”.

“The brake pedal became stuck in the fully depressed position and had no effect on the Suzuki’s speed,” Autocar magazine reported.

“No braking effort could be exerted by forcing the pedal up and reapplying it.”

The testers slowed the car by using the handbrake and engine braking.

Suzuki then issued a replacement car for the magazine to repeat the test, and the same fault occurred.

“The same test resulted in the failure repeating itself,” Autocar magazine said.

This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling