Johannesburg – Hyundai South Africa has responded after the Indian-made Grand i10 received a zero-star rating in last year’s Global NCAP crash tests under the #SaferCarsforAfrica campaign. The test criticised the vehicle for lacking Electronic Stability Control, weak frontal impact protection, an unstable bodyshell in side impacts, and a high risk of non-recoverable chest injuries.
“These results are deeply concerning and highlight a continuing pattern in which vehicles sold in Africa do not meet the same safety standards applied in other regions. South African motorists deserve better,” said Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of the Automobile Association of South Africa. “The Hyundai Grand i10’s zero-star rating reinforces the urgent need for 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 protection systems and Electronic Stability Control as standard. Safety should never be optional, and certainly not reserved for markets outside Africa.”
Addressing the findings, Hyundai said the Grand i10 meets all 53 on-road requirements set by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) and is safe to drive.
“The Hyundai Grand i10 has been engineered to meet all South African road and safety requirements, and the NRCS confirmation provides credible assurance to our customers and stakeholders that these standards have been independently verified,” Hyundai South Africa CEO Stanley Anderson said. “While additional independent assessments and ratings, such as NCAP, are useful reference points, they continue to evolve and do not replace or override South Africa’s established regulatory standards. Hyundai Automotive South Africa remains engaged with relevant regulators and industry bodies to continue to deliver vehicles that meet the needs of South African motorists, while working closely with its global original equipment manufacturer to respond to the increasing safety requirements.”
Despite safety concerns, the Grand i10 remains popular, selling 17 201 units in South Africa last year. It ranked seventh overall in monthly sales and was the second best-selling non-locally made vehicle after the Suzuki Swift among South Africa’s top 15 new vehicles in 2025. The current range, last updated in 2023, includes six models priced between R224 900 and R309 900 for the top-spec sedan known as the Aura in India.
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