Global NCAP strongly criticises misleading media statements issued by Chery
Disappointing two star rating for Tiggo 7 Pro in South Africa
Global NCAP’s new #SaferCarsForAfrica crash result reveals a disappointing two star adult occupant safety rating for the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro.
Child occupant protection was rated at three stars. However, the Child Restraint System (CRS) failed the installation for all front rearward facing positions and the model lacks the option to disconnect the passenger airbag when a rearward facing child seat is placed in the passenger seat.
The crash test report noted:
The footwell area and bodyshell were found to be unstable and not capable of withstanding further loadings.
Side pole impact was not performed as the car does not offer standard side head protection for front and rear rows. The lack of this kind of protection exposes the head to the risk of severe injury even in a low speed side impact with a pole or tree.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was standard, as were Seat Belt Reminders (SBRs) in all positions, although these did not meet Global NCAP requirements.
Global NCAP strongly criticises Chery for the recent publication of media statements using NCAP results not relevant to the models available in South Africa. NCAP assessments are market specific. Results should not be used selectively to give consumers a false impression of safety performance.
Richard Woods, Chief Executive Officer of Global NCAP, said:
“A two star rating for the Tiggo 7 Pro is very disappointing, but this poor result is seriously compounded by the publication of misleading information on crash test results from other markets. South African consumers need independent and accurate information to inform their purchasing decisions. Transparency and accountability on vehicle safety, not marketing smoke and mirrors.”
Bobby Ramagwede, Chief Executive Officer of the Automobile Association of South Africa, said:
“We note with concern the recent crash test conducted by Chery SA locally, which we deem as both an unsafe exercise and one misleading based on the principles of the NCAP studies undertaken in this critical area of safety. We further note recent media releases around the Tiggo 7 CSH and its five star Euro NCAP rating, and again find this information one-sided as it does not flag the safety inadequacies of the entry-level models in this very range. Euro NCAP ratings are also specific to that market, for a rating to be recognised locally the vehicle needs to be assessed under the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign conducted by Global NCAP.
“We have been asked repeatedly by the local consumer to start testing Chinese vehicle brands for local NCAP safety ratings. These latest results highlight two key areas, a continuing pattern in which vehicles sold in Africa do not offer the same safety performance as in other regions, alongside a heightened campaign to avoid disclosing to the local consumer the broader safety picture across a specific vehicle range.
“We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, South African motorists deserve better, irrespective of source or price point of a vehicle, with this two star rating reinforcing the urgent need for all manufacturers to commit to equal safety for all markets. This result underlines why Africa urgently needs stronger regulatory standards, combined with an independent consumer information programme and greater manufacturer accountability. The AA believes no vehicle should be sold here without side head protection for front and rear rows. Safety should never be an optional extra, and certainly not reserved for markets outside Africa.”
The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro was tested as part of the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign.
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro
Read the full crash test report
Watch the crash test video
Download the crash test images
Note to editors
Global NCAP is a UK registered charity working internationally to democratise vehicle safety in support of the UN Global Goals.
Between 2014 and 2026 Global NCAP has completed more than 100 safety assessments which have acted as an important catalyst in the safety improvement of Indian and African cars.
Global NCAP has launched a newsletter, IMPACT, to share information about developments across the global road safety community. Subscribe here: https://www.globalncap.org/impact.
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