Suzuki suspends UK sales of new Celerio due to braking problem

Car company Suzuki has suspended all UK sales of its Celerio hatchback just days after the car went on sale due to a braking problem.

The 1.0-litre Celerio only went on sale in the UK at the weekend and the new owners, thought to be number around 100, have been advised not to drive their cars.

The brake problem emerged during test runs carried out by What Car and Autocar magazines, with What Car? saying that two cars had been affected.

What Car? added that in testing the first car, all stopping power was immediately lost upon application of the brakes.

It said that during an 80mph emergency breaking test 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 was needed for a controlled deceleration of the Celerio to a safe stop.

The magazine said that there was a repeat of the brake failure when a second car was tested.

A spokesman added that all Celerio owners were being contacted and would be supplied with alternative Suzuki models as temporary replacements.