Global NCAP’s Latest Crash Tests Highlight Poor Safety Ratings for Popular Models in Africa
In the most recent crash tests conducted by Global NCAP, the safety performance of several popular car models in Africa fell short of expectations. The Kia Pegas and Renault Triber received a disappointing two-star rating for occupant safety, while the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga managed only a single star.
Global NCAP’s rigorous crash test protocols assess frontal and side impact protection, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), pedestrian protection, and side pole impact protection for the highest-rated vehicles. The Safer Cars for Africa project, run in collaboration with the Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa and supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the FIA Foundation, aims to enhance vehicle safety across the continent.
Alejandro Furas, Global NCAP Secretary General, expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “We are disappointed to see global brands like Renault, Kia, and Maruti Suzuki offer such low safety performance in markets like South Africa, while achieving much higher levels of protection in many other global markets. Don’t African consumers deserve the same level of safety?”
David Ward, Executive President of the Towards Zero Foundation, emphasized the need to address this disparity, saying, “The double standard on safety in low and middle-income economies must come to an end. Manufacturers know how to build safer cars for adult and child occupants as well as for vulnerable road users. Highlighting this disparity and democratizing vehicle safety in Africa is a Global NCAP priority.”
Sikkie Kajee, Chairman of the Automobile Association, echoed these concerns, noting, “We remain concerned at the low ratings received from the manufacturers, but we are confident they will use these results to improve their safety moving forward. Issues with double standards persist in relation to vehicles made for Africa, but we are assured these matters are being addressed and are confident that in the future, we will see fewer discrepancies.”
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (2 airbags standard)
The Indian-made Ertiga, equipped with two frontal airbags, was rated as borderline unstable in its structure. The footwell area was unstable, posing injury risks to the driver’s lower legs. While head and neck protection for adult occupants was good, chest protection was marginal for the driver. Side impact protection was good for the head, pelvis, and abdomen but only adequate for the chest. The Ertiga lacks side airbags and has poor child occupant protection due to issues with the Child Restraint System (CRS) and a lap belt in the rear center position.
Renault Triber (2 airbags standard)
The Renault Triber, also manufactured in India, showed good protection for the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck but weak protection for the driver’s chest. The structure’s performance was unstable, and side impact protection was good except for the chest. The Triber lacks side airbags and standard ESC. Child occupant protection was compromised by the absence of ISOFIX anchorages and poor performance for the Q3 dummy.
Kia Pegas (2 airbags standard)
The Chinese-made Kia Pegas, equipped with two frontal airbags, was also rated as unstable. While head and neck protection was good, chest protection was marginal. Side impact protection was similarly marginal for the chest but adequate for the head and abdomen. The Pegas lacks standard ESC and side airbags. However, child occupant protection was better, with four-star performance for rearward-facing dummies using ISOFIX anchorages.
These results underscore the urgent need for manufacturers to prioritize safety in all markets, ensuring that vehicles sold in Africa offer the same level of protection as those in other regions.
