Suzuki stops sales over red tape

More than half the vehicles sold by this popular manufacturer will disappear from Aussie showrooms within weeks.

Suzuki showrooms in Australia are about to look very different.

News Corp can confirm that the Japanese brand has stopped production of four out of six of its models – the Ignis, Swift Sport, Vitara and S-Cross. It appears the three-door Jimny is under threat, too.

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Suzuki will have to stop sales of the Swift Sport.

It could mean that the brand will have just the Swift Hybrid city car and Jimny XL 4x4 models in its range for customers to order. For now, at least.

Documents seen by this publication state that production has ceased for the Ignis, Swift Sport, Vitara and S-Cross for the Australian market because of new Australian Design Rules (ADR) for passenger vehicles imported into the country that come into force from March 1, 2025.

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The Suzuki Ignis is no longer on sale.

According to the info we’ve seen, the models don’t meet ADR 98/00 which stipulates all new vehicles must be equipped with an autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system. Such systems are made to prevent the car from hitting another vehicle if the driver doesn’t react in time: “The system shall automatically detect an imminent forward collision, provide the driver with an appropriate warning and activate the vehicle braking system to decelerate the vehicle with the purpose of avoiding or mitigating the severity of a collision in the event that the driver does not respond to the warning.”

The 2024-built examples of those four vehicles will still be available in stock until sold out.

However, the cult hero three-door Jimny could also be under threat, with investigations apparently ongoing as to whether it can be fitted with AEB that meets the requirements of the ADR. For the record, the brand states that the Jimny is fitted with AEB, and it isn’t clear if there is a technical limitation that will need to be updated for the vehicle’s continued sale.

It’s not all bad news for Suzuki fans, though, with the brand gearing up to change the range with a host of new models in 2025.

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Suzuki’s basic Vitara version falls short of new design rules.

Michael Pachota, Suzuki Australia general manager, said the brand is set to significantly change its model range over the next 12 months.

“We’re clearing the way for new technologies; Suzuki Australia’s hybrid and electric journey starts now,” he said.

He’s referring to a couple of new models that are arriving in the next few months – namely the Fronx compact crossover SUV, which will be “hybrid from the ground up”, while the larger, more practical Vitara Hybrid will be offered in the market later in 2025.

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Suzuki’s Swift Sport won’t be here for long.

Furthermore, Mr Pachota confirmed the e-Vitara fully electric SUV will also be joining the line-up as the first EV on offer from the Japanese brand in this market.

“Our hybrid products are in high demand from our dealer network and customers alike,” he said. “Our hybrid technology brings Suzukis sold in Australia to the forefront, being some of the best value hybrid choices for Australians.

“Efficiency and cost of ownership is our forte, and we are always determined to deliver on that model,” Mr Pachota said.

The news from Suzuki is just the latest development in an ongoing saga enveloping a number of brands.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia has announced the axing of the Pajero Sport seven-seater 4WD, the eternally popular ASX small SUV, and the turbo- or plug-in hybrid Eclipse Cross.

Meanwhile, the Fiat 500 petrol models and the performance-oriented Abarth 695 will also finish up in the coming months.

This is an evolving story and we will bring you further updates if more models fall foul of the required safety protocols.