The latest independent crash testing of popular compact SUVs has triggered renewed debate about whether African buyers are being offered the same level of protection as motorists in other regions.
New findings released by Global NCAP show that the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro achieved only two stars for adult occupant protection, largely due to the absence of standard side head protection for both front and rear passengers.
Child occupant protection was rated at three stars, while the Child Restraint System failed installation in all front rearward facing positions because the passenger airbag cannot be disconnected.
The test related to entry level Tiggo 7 models currently sold in South Africa. Global NCAP assessed the previous generation Tiggo 7 Pro Distinction, which remains available locally, while the current generation Tiggo 7 Prime also lacks the same highlighted safety features. The results highlight shortcomings in standard safety provision for vehicles sold across African markets.
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Among the key findings were an unstable footwell area and bodyshell that could not withstand further loadings. A side pole impact test was not performed because standard side head protection is not offered. Electronic Stability Control and Seat Belt Reminders were standard, but failed to meet Global NCAP requirements.
Global NCAP also dismissed the relevance of a local dual vehicle crash test conducted by Chery SA, stating that the results are not recognised. The Automobile Association urged consumers to rely on market specific NCAP testing carried out under proper NCAP conditions.
Global NCAP Chief Executive Officer Richard Woods said the two-star result was very disappointing and warned against the use of misleading information 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, is fundamental to consumer safety”.
The Automobile Association Chief Executive Officer Bobby Ramagwede echoed these concerns. “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 standards as 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 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,” Bobby says.
The Automobile Association said consumers across Africa deserve safety standards equivalent to those in other international markets and repeated its call for an Africa NCAP programme to improve transparency and testing standards.
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the automotive industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the South African motor sector forward.