MG3 and Suzuki’s Swift offer improved safety
Two popular small cars have had their safety rating lifted but ANCAP sees room for further improvement.
Two of Australia’s most popular small cars, the MG MG3 and Suzuki Swift have both adopted recent safety improvements but neither has achieved a coveted five-star ANCAP rating.
ANCAP announced an incremental improvement to the safety specification and performance of MG’s light hatch, the MG3, resulting in a four-star ANCAP safety rating.
The second-generation MG3 launched in 2024 with improved safety features over the first-gen model, but testing last year delivered a three-star safety rating, with ANCAP reporting limitations in driver, front passenger and rear passenger protection, and collision avoidance performance.
Subsequent design and production updates have delivered incremental safety improvements with MG3 vehicles on sale from May 2025 adding a centre airbag positioned between the two front row occupants, a driver monitoring system, and improved collision avoidance capability.
ANCAP said a fresh round of testing on updated MG 3 vehicles resulted in improved scores for Adult Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection, and Safety Assist, elevating refreshed vehicles into four-star territory.
However, the safety organisation said the new four-star rating comes with a caution, following performance issues during the frontal offset crash test.
During the test – which simulates a head-on crash with another vehicle each travelling at 50km/h – the right-side adjuster of the driver’s seat failed, causing it to twist during the crash impact. This movement exacerbated the loads on the driver dummy’s right leg, and protection of that part of the body was rated as ‘poor’.
The driver dummy’s head was also observed to ‘bottom out’ the airbag against the steering wheel, and head protection was scored as ‘adequate’.
An MG3 undergoes side impact crash testing.
“This uplift from three stars to four stars is a step in the right direction, yet the seat latch failure is not something we expect to see, and is cause for caution,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Carla Hoorweg.
“MG is trying hard to bring improved products to market. What we want to see, however, is a focus on quality as well as safety. These elements go hand-in-hand.”
“The failure of the seat adjuster increased the risk of injury to the driver.
“Key vehicle components like this should be able to withstand this typical urban-environment crash.
“We expect MG to make a running change to rectify the fault, and move to retrospectively fix affected vehicles already in the market.”
Suzuki is another manufacturer to have recently upgraded the safety of its Swift small hatchback.
When the Swift was first launched in Australia and New Zealand in mid-2024, it carried a lower level of safety specification than the European version, resulting in a one-star ANCAP safety rating.
From August 2025, Suzuki Swift vehicles supplied locally now align with those offered in Europe, lifting their ANCAP safety rating to three stars.
“ANCAP’s role as consumer advocate is to hold manufacturers to account, and where safety deficiencies are seen, to push for improvements that help prevent deaths and reduce serious injuries,” Ms Hoorweg said.
“Suzuki and MG have taken steps in the right direction. Prospective buyers should consider the safety needs of their household, and use the ratings and information available on the ANCAP website to help inform their purchasing decisions.”
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