Toyota Starlet receives zero-star rating from Global NCAP
The outgoing version of the Toyota Starlet has received a zero-star rating for adult occupant protection from Global NCAP in the #SaferCarsforAfrica test results.
A three-star rating was given for child occupant protection.
During the transport and testing process, Toyota informed Global NCAP that the South African Starlet range was being updated with additional safety features, including side head and body airbags. The results apply to models sold before Toyota’s safety update at the end of last year.
Global NCAP has since anonymously purchased the upgraded model for further crash testing to enable African consumers to compare the safety performance of both versions.
The results
Manufactured in India, the Toyota Starlet tested is a five-door hatchback weighing 1,205kg.
Whilst the outgoing model was equipped with driver and passenger frontal airbags and Electronic Stability Control as standard, it did not include side head protection airbags.
Crash test results showed significant safety concerns. The bodyshell and footwell area were found to be unstable and incapable of withstanding further loadings.
In the side impact test, head and chest protection were rated as poor, while abdomen protection was rated as adequate. A side pole test was not performed because side head protection airbags were not fitted as standard.
For child occupants, the frontal impact assessment showed that the head of the three-year-old dummy made contact with the vehicle interior, while chest protection was rated as low. In the side impact test, the head of the three-year-old dummy was exposed to impact.
Richard Woods, Chief Executive Officer of Global NCAP, said the result was deeply concerning for one of South Africa’s best-selling vehicles.
“This is a shocking zero star result from Toyota. The Starlet, one of the most popular cars sold in South Africa, had an unstable bodyshell as well as poor head and chest protection which are both a cause for serious concern.
“Toyota has updated this model in the South African market. It now comes with new safety features fitted as standard. We welcome this improvement in safety equipment and we will put the revised model to the test very soon.”
Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of the AA, said: “These entry-level vehicles are also readily available in vehicle rental and corporate fleets, which further multiplies the risk to motorists.
“Safety equipment and vehicles that are manufactured to a high standard of structural safety should never be an optional extra or a feature that is reserved for markets outside of Africa, nor should manufacturers be hiding behind the unfortunate lack of stringent vehicle-safety legislation locally.
“You cannot put a price on the life of the South African consumer,” Ramagwede continued.
The updated Starlet now includes four additional airbags, bringing the total to six compared to two for the earlier model.
Global NCAP plans to release the results of the upgraded model later this year.
