One of South Africa’s most popular entry-level vehicles, the Toyota Starlet, has received a zero-star rating for adult occupant protection in the latest Global NCAP crash tests.
The results were published as part of the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign, which assesses the safety performance of vehicles sold across the continent.
While the outgoing Starlet managed a three-star rating for child occupant protection, Global NCAP said the vehicle showed several serious structural and safety concerns during testing.
Serious concerns raised during crash tests
The India-built hatchback tested by Global NCAP was fitted with standard driver and passenger airbags, as well as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), but did not include side head protection airbags.
According to the crash test report, the vehicle’s bodyshell and footwell area were found to be unstable during impact testing.
In the side impact test, both head and chest protection for adult occupants were rated as poor, while abdomen protection was rated as adequate.
The side pole test was not conducted because the vehicle did not include side curtain airbags as standard equipment.
Global NCAP also noted concerns for child occupants. During frontal impact testing, the head of the three-year-old crash test dummy made contact with the vehicle interior, while chest protection was rated low.
In the side impact test, the dummy’s head was exposed to impact.
Toyota updates the Starlet
Global NCAP said Toyota informed the organisation during the testing process that the Starlet sold in South Africa was being updated with additional standard safety features.
The revised model now includes side head and body airbags as standard.
Global NCAP has since anonymously purchased updated versions of the vehicle for further testing, with results expected at a later stage.
Despite this, Global NCAP chief executive Richard Woods described the outcome as deeply concerning, given the Starlet’s popularity in South Africa.
“This is a shocking zero-star result from Toyota. The Starlet, one of the most popular cars sold in South Africa, had an unstable bodyshell, as well as poor head and chest protection which are both a cause for serious concern,” Woods said.
He welcomed Toyota’s decision to improve the vehicle’s safety specifications, saying the updated model would soon be assessed.
Concerns for South African motorists
Automobile Association of South Africa CEO Bobby Ramagwede said the zero-star rating highlighted broader concerns around vehicle safety standards in Africa.
“The Toyota Starlet is one of South Africa’s most popular vehicles and its poor performance in the GNCAP testing means that Starlet owners remain at risk of serious injury in the case of an accident,” he said.
Ramagwede added that many entry-level vehicles sold locally are widely used in rental fleets and by businesses, increasing the number of motorists potentially exposed to safety risks.
He argued that key safety equipment should not be treated as optional extras or reserved for higher-spec international markets.
“You cannot put a price on the life of the South African consumer,” he said.
