New rules target less safe cars
Several popular cars – including the Mitsubishi ASX and Suzuki Swift Sport – have been removed from sale in Australia, due to changes to the Australian Design Rules (ADRs).
Other models are on the chopping block – find out if your favourite car is affected and why.
What’s changing?
From 1 March, a new rule under the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) means all new vehicles sold in Australia must be equipped with an autonomous emergency braking system (AEB).
An AEB system increases road user safety by helping drivers reduce a crash’s severity or avoid it altogether.
Several makes, models and variants are currently without AEB, which means they don’t comply with the new ADRs and can no longer be sold.
What are the Australian Design Rules?
The ADRs outline the minimum requirements for all road vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks and motorcycles. Manufacturers’ vehicles must meet these standards, which include road vehicle safety, anti-theft, fuel efficiency, lighting, braking systems and more.
All new vehicles manufactured in Australia and imported new and used vehicles must meet the ADR standards to go on sale. The ADRs aim to ensure Australia’s national vehicle safety standards comply with international regulations.
The ADRs are not to be confused with ANCAP safety ratings. The ADRs ensure all vehicles meet a minimum regulatory standard, whereas ANCAP is a complementary system of rating vehicles according to their safety performance in laboratory crash tests. ANCAP ratings encourage manufacturers to introduce the latest vehicle safety technology as soon as it becomes available.
Which vehicles are being cancelled?
Suzuki and Mitsubishi are two well-known car manufacturers impacted by the new standards. Mitsubishi will remove about 60 per cent of its current range from sale, although most of the vehicles are out of production already. Below is a list of the mainstream models that will now longer be available in their current form.
- Mitsubishi ASX
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (including plug-in hybrid – PHEV)
- Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
- Suzuki Ignis, Baleno, Swift Sport, Vitara and S-Cross
- Fiat 500 (petrol)
- Abarth 695 (petrol)
- Mahindra Pik-Up range
Keep in mind that most manufacturers will replace their affected models with updated versions in the coming months. Some models were at the end of their life cycles, and new models with better safety tech will comply with the new rules. For example, Suzuki has already confirmed that its Fronx SUV – with better tech and safety specs – will go on sale in Australia later in 2025. The Suzuki Vitara is another model expected to be updated with more technology this year.
What else is changing?
The ADRs will change again in August 2026, requiring all vehicles on sale to have pedestrian detection systems as part of their AEB technology. These systems better protect pedestrians in the event of a collision with a vehicle.
RAA’s Senior Manager of Road Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain welcomes these changes.
“Autonomous emergency braking is a critical safety technology and RAA supports this change to the Australian Design Rules,” Charles says.
“By helping drivers avoid or minimise collisions with vehicles, pedestrians and other objects, AEB improves safety for all road users.
“If you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle, buy the safest you can afford and look for a 5-star ANCAP or Used Car Safety Rating.”