2008 Suzuki Forenza Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 25 Forenza reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The Suzuki Forenza is equipped with basic safety features. However, its performance in government and insurance industry crash tests is less than impressive.
The Forenza earned four out of five stars in both frontal and side impacts crash tests. But the federal government classifies the rear seat as a "safety concern" in side crash tests, as there is a possibility that the left rear passenger could suffer serious head trauma should a crash at a high speed occur. The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Forenza a "Poor" rating for side-impact protection and an "Acceptable" rating for frontal crashes.
Accident Avoidance
The Forenza comes standard with four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, although ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution is optional. Other standard features that can help avoid an accident include daytime running lights and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. More modern technology such as stability and traction control is not available.
Crash Protection
In the event of an accident, passengers in the 2008 Suzuki Forenza are protected with height-adjustable three-point driver and front-passenger safety belts, as well as three-point rear safety belts. In line with the family-car designation, child seat tether anchors are provided along with rear-door child safety locks. The driver and front passenger have frontal air bags, as well as side-impact air bags. There are no side-curtain air bags for the front or rear passengers, although there are front and rear side-impact door beams meant to dissipate the energy of a crash. The lack of rear protection in the event of a side impact is clearly reflected in safety ratings.