Concerns over the safety standards of some entry level SUVs sold in South Africa have intensified following the release of the latest #SaferCarsForAfrica crash test results by Global NCAP.
The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro received a two star rating for adult occupant protection, mainly because it does not offer standard side head protection for front and rear occupants. Child occupant protection achieved three stars, but the Child Restraint System failed installation in all front rearward facing positions due to the lack of a passenger airbag deactivation option.
The findings apply to entry level Tiggo 7 models sold in South Africa. The vehicle tested was the previous generation Tiggo 7 Pro Distinction, which is still available locally, while the current generation Tiggo 7 Prime also lacks the highlighted safety features found on higher specification models. The results point to gaps in the level of standard safety provided to adults in vehicles sold across African markets.
Global NCAP reported that the footwell area and bodyshell were unstable and not capable of withstanding further loadings. A side pole impact test was not conducted because standard side head protection is not offered for front and rear rows. Although Electronic Stability Control and Seat Belt Reminders were standard, these did not meet Global NCAP requirements.
The organisation also distanced itself from a local dual vehicle crash test carried out by Chery SA using two Tiggo 9 SUVs, stating that such results are not recognised. The Automobile Association advised consumers to rely on recognised NCAP testing carried out under proper conditions.
Global NCAP Chief Executive Officer Richard Woods said the two star rating was disappointing and criticised the use of misleading crash test 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 criticised the local crash test as unsafe and misleading. “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 African consumers are entitled to the same safety standards available in other international markets and renewed its call for an Africa NCAP programme to strengthen testing rigour and transparency.
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