I recently watched a video from cars.co.za, led by a well respected auto journalist here in South Africa, David Taylor. The clip discusses a vital initiative by Global NCAP’s #SaferCarsForAfrica program to test vehicles specifically for the South African market.
Here is the video:
It is a wake-up call. The variants we buy here can be significantly different from those launched in the EU, Asia, or the US. Often, specifications are adjusted for local emissions or technology. However, recent data shows that safety standards vary wildly—meaning the ratings we’ve relied on for years might not apply to the specific car sitting in a South African showroom today.
The Current Reality South Africa doesn’t have its own independent assessment program because the costs are prohibitive. Instead, these tests are performed by the ADAC in Germany. Their recent tests on South African variants revealed results that are, frankly, concerning.
Which cars are we talking about? Some of the most popular models on our roads. According to the latest Global NCAP and AA South Africa reports (as of early 2026), the following models showed significant room for improvement in their local entry-level specifications:
- Chery Tiggo 7 Pro: Recently received a 2-star adult occupancy rating. Global NCAP cited an unstable structure and a lack of standard side-head protection.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VhJUMmK2K0&feature=youtu.be
- Toyota Corolla Cross: Despite being a top-seller, the tested local variant received only 2 stars for adult protection, primarily due to the absence of standard curtain airbags in the base models.https://youtu.be/EHG93ZLJPow?si=ixQsMH9-rS_y0Vp7
- Hyundai Grand i10: A late 2025 test resulted in a 0-star rating, a stark reminder of the safety gap in entry-level vehicles.
- Nissan NP300 Hardbody & Datsun Go+: These legacy tests remain on the record as 0-star results, highlighting the historical “double standard” in safety for Africa.
(Note: In a positive turn, the latest Nissan Magnite has since been updated and now boasts a 5-star adult safety rating in SA—proving that manufacturers can move the needle when they choose to.)
A Question of Transparency Once you’ve processed these results, please share this with anyone you know who is car shopping. These vehicles are part of our daily traffic. For me, the big question is about transparency. Why isn’t this market-specific safety data more prominent in the showroom?
I’ve owned a Tazz, Yaris, Corolla, and a Fortuner. I assumed they were all “safe” by default. I even experienced the frustration of the Fortuner’s security vulnerabilities—the silence around those issues at the time was deafening. Transparency is key. In the financial world, there are strict rules about disclosing risks to clients. I believe the same standard should apply to the machine that carries your family every day.
A Personal Story: Why I Care In December 1998, my family was traveling through Van Reenen’s Pass when a truck hit us head-on. My seatbelt saved me, but my head struck the dash. My 8-year-old brother suffered an open fracture; my father broke two ribs while protecting my baby brother.
I share this because you cannot “upgrade” the safety of your car after you’ve bought it. The airbags and the integrity of the safety cell must be there the moment you pull off the lot.
The Bottom Line We can’t all afford a Volvo. Many South Africans are moving their loyalty to brands like Haval and Chery because the value is incredible. My only plea is this: Buy a SAFE car. If you aren’t sure about a specific model’s rating, ask for the Safer Cars for Africa data. Don’t make a 5-year financial commitment based purely on how the car looks at the braai.
No one should have to bear the lifelong pain of a car accident if it could have been prevented by a better safety cell.
Stay safe.
Legal & Financial Disclaimer
This post is for informational and educational purposes only and represents the personal opinions of the author. It does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice.
- FSCA Compliance: The author is not a licensed Financial Services Provider (FSP). Any mentions of insurance, vehicle finance, or tracking services are provided as general information and should not be construed as a financial recommendation or intermediary service under the FAIS Act. Always consult with a certified financial advisor or authorized representative before entering into any financial or insurance contract.
- Data Accuracy: Safety ratings are based on independent reports from Global NCAP and the AA of South Africa. Ratings are specific to the variants and model years tested and may vary across different trim levels.
- Non-Sponsorship: This post is not sponsored by any of the brands or entities mentioned.
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