Sales of Suzuki’s Celerio model – launched to local media only in the last two weeks – have been suspended in the UK and Republic of Ireland after two test vehicles suffered total brake failure during combined tests by Autocar and What Car? magazines.
The company said it had withdrawn the cars from sale and advised dealers and customers not to drive any models until investigations have been carried out.
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The cause of the brake failure, which occurred last week during 80mph (about 120km/h) braking tests at the Millbrook Proving Ground in England, is being investigated by both Suzuki GB and representatives from Suzuki in Japan which has sent engineers to the UK.
A statement from Suzuki GB said: “With reference to the condition experienced when carrying out an emergency braking test by a journalist from Autocar magazine on 30 January, 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.”
The Celeiro, which is built in Thailand, officially went on sale on 1 February.
Autocar said that in order to provide the most accurate test results for the magazine and sister publication What Car?, cars are put through measured trials which allow reviewers to accurately ascertain and compare the performance and handling characteristics of cars in controlled conditions.
This involves an emergency stop, carried out from 80mph, which allows assessment of the car’s behaviour during heavy braking, the functionality of its stability systems and the stopping distance and time itself.
The magazine said several acceleration tests had been carried out on a Celerio prior to the emergency braking test. Ahead of that, a more gentle braking assessment had been completed successfully. During the first full force braking test, however, all stopping power was immediately lost upon application of the brakes.
Autocar reported: “The brake pedal became stuck in the fully depressed position and had no effect on the Suzuki’s speed. No braking effort could be exerted by forcing the pedal up and reapplying it. The combined use of the handbrake and engine braking allowed for controlled deceleration of the Celerio to a safe stop.
“Suzuki delivered a second Celerio, in order for pre-arranged testing to continue. The same test resulted in the failure repeating itself, culminating in a complete inability to slow the car in a conventional fashion. Suzuki UK subsequently escalated its investigations in to the failures.”
Autocar understands the focus of the investigations is on right hand drive versions of the Celerio and includes those sold in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Australia and New Zealand though cars sold in Japan, India and Thailand are not affected.
The Celerio has been on sale in India and Thailand since the middle of last year with no problems reported. The model has previously been awarded three stars in Euro NCAP crash testing although early testing did not account for curtain airbags which are fitted as standard for the UK.
