Granted, the S-Presso tested by Global NCAP was fitted only with a driver's side airbag (the version sold in SA gains one on the passenger side and comes equipped with front seat-belt pre-tensioners) but after analysing the crash data we can't see how much of a difference this would actually make. Especially as the car's body shell was rated as “unstable” and “not capable of withstanding further loadings”.
This news is disappointing because the TimesLIVE Motoring team reviewed the S-Presso earlier this year and all of us were impressed at the way it drove and what it offered in terms of interior amenities. Though many of us wanted to, we were hesitant to recommend it due to the absence of crash testing. Well, we don't have to any more — avoid.
Click here to read the full crash report for yourself.
Note to readers: This article was updated on November 16 2020 to reflect that, in addition to an extra front airbag, the Suzuki S-Presso currently on sale in SA is also equipped with front seat-belt pre-tensioners, which were absent from the model crash-tested in India.