SUZUKI has suspended UK sales of its just-introduced Celerio hatchback model following 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 around 100 in number - have been advised not to drive their cars.

The brake problem emerged during test runs carried out by drivers from What Car and Autocar magazines at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedford, 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 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.

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

A Suzuki GB statement said: "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."

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

Later, Suzuki said the safety recall "relates to retraction of the brake pedal and affects right-hand-drive vehicles for UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand".

The company went on: "The condition was experienced during an emergency brake test from very high speed and was conducted several times on a private road test facility.

"This test forms a part of the full test procedure carried out by What Car? and Autocar magazines. The Celerio model has been on sale in India and Thailand since 2014."