SUZUKI has postponed the launch of its new Celerio mini car after a potential defect was found with the brake pedal.

Some 50 cars which had left showrooms have been recalled and sales of the model suspended while the problem is investigated.

The company took the decision after an evaluation of the vehicle by a motoring magazine revealed the brake pedal failed to return to its correct position following a high speed emergency stop.

The issue came to light after the Celerio's official media launch where the car had performed without fault.

A Suzuki spokesman said the condition was experienced during an emergency brake test at 80mph which was conducted several times on a private road test facility.

The Celerio is built in Thailand and went on sale in Asian markets in 2014.

The recall includes right hand drive models which have been produced for Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Cars produced for other markets are not affected.

"Suzuki is directly contacting its customers via its dealer network and will be providing a loan vehicle to them until full safety checks have been completed," said the spokesman.

The recall was ordered the day after the car went on sale on February 1.

The Celerio costs from £7,999 and is being introduced by Suzuki as a replacement for its Alto city car and the Splash supermini.

The spokesman said that the car will now be released once investigations into the brake pedal have been completed.