Since the existence of the European Union, The commission regularly introduces new rules for car safety. All vehicles must meet this requirement in order to be approved and therefore sold in one of the member countries. We owe it to her, for example EuroNCAP, which in 1996 established new safety rules in case of impacts: the famous crash tests. In 2004 it is ABSan electronic device that prevents the brakes from locking in case of emergency braking, which is mandatory. After 10 years, it was ESP’s turnelectronic stability program. e-Call has been available since 2018and allows you to call for help in the event of an accident with the push of a button. In 2022, two new devices Mandatory equipment includes: lane keeping system and automatic emergency braking in the event of a close collision.

Faced with overly strict rules, Suzuki throws in the towel

It is these last ones is a problem for Suzuki today. The new GSR II standards (for general safety regulations) came into force on July 7, 2022 for all new models entering the market. For those who have already entered the market before this date, they will benefit from the delay, but must also comply with it. The fateful date was set two years later — July 7, 2024. This means that after this date every model sold in the EU must have both of these safety features. Therefore, manufacturers must update their models that are not equipped with it, to be able to continue selling them. Subtlety to which Suzuki doesn’t seem ready to budgefor its A-segment mini-SUV Ignis.

The departure of the Ignis will further weaken the A segment

Sold since 2000, Igniswhich at that time had the shape of a minivan, was updated in 2016 in the second generation, more typical of adventurers/off-roaders. Even if its sales in France are not impressive (3,993 copies sold last year according to the PFA platform), it is still 4^d the best-selling model of the brand on the Old Continent.

First of all, it is one of the latest models in the A segment, and with a thermal engine (microhybrid). Its departure will further weaken this category, which barely counts more than the Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto and Toyota Aygo (except for electric models, of course). These rumors come from Suzuki’s Dutch importer: he confirmed to our Dutch colleagues at Auto Week that the little Ignis will be discontinued in the coming months. Another small affordable model that disappears under the bureaucratic sword of the European Union…

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