Johannesburg – The Automobile Association (AA) has expressed deep concern following the latest crash test results from Global NCAP, which revealed that the Hyundai Grand i10, sold in South Africa and other African markets, received a zero-star rating for adult occupant protection. Despite scoring three stars for child occupant protection, the results show serious safety gaps for adults, raising questions about the adequacy of vehicles sold in Africa.
The Hyundai Grand i10, manufactured in India, offers only basic safety features, such as driver and passenger airbags, but lacks essential protections such as side body and head protection, as well as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). These missing features are considered critical for modern vehicle safety, and the AA has called for stricter safety standards in Africa.
Global NCAP’s assessment pointed to several alarming failures in the vehicle’s safety performance. The driver’s chest protection in the frontal impact test was found to be dangerously weak, and the side impact test revealed severe risks of fatal injuries. The vehicle’s structure was deemed unstable, with no side body or head protection for passengers and no Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) for anyone except the driver. Additionally, the absence of ESC, a proven crash-prevention technology, was another major safety concern.
Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of the AA, criticized the continued double standard in vehicle safety across global markets. He emphasized that South African and African consumers deserve the same level of safety as those in other parts of the world. Ramagwede reiterated the AA’s call for manufacturers to adhere to equal safety standards across all markets and urged African governments to implement stronger regulatory measures.
Global NCAP’s CEO, Richard Woods, echoed these concerns, stressing the need for equal safety standards for all countries, regardless of income level. The AA has pledged to continue advocating for enhanced safety regulations and greater accountability from vehicle manufacturers in Africa.
Read the full crash test report below
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