Two of SA’s best-selling cars score poorly in latest crash tests
· The South African
Two of South Africa’s most popular vehicles have come under scrutiny after performing poorly in the latest independent crash tests, prompting safety experts to urge motorists to look beyond price and specifications when buying a car.
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The latest #SaferCarsForAfrica results from Global NCAP found that the Kia Sonet and GWM Haval Jolion delivered lower-than-expected levels of protection for adult occupants in crash scenarios.
The Kia Sonet received just one star for adult occupant protection, while the GWM Haval Jolion achieved two stars. Both vehicles were awarded three stars for child occupant protection.
The findings have reignited concerns about the safety standards of some entry-level and budget-friendly vehicles sold in Africa.
How the two vehicles performed in the crash tests
Of the two vehicles tested, the Haval Jolion delivered the stronger overall performance.
According to the Global NCAP report, the vehicle provided good protection for occupants’ heads, necks and chests during a frontal impact test. Protection in the side impact test was also rated as good.
However, knee protection was assessed as only marginal, and the vehicle was not tested in the more demanding side pole impact assessment because it does not include side head-protection airbags as standard.
The Jolion does come equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and side body airbags, both of which meet Global NCAP’s requirements.
The Kia Sonet’s results were more concerning.
The report found that the vehicle’s footwell area and bodyshell were unstable during testing and may not withstand greater crash forces.
In side-impact testing, poor protection for the chest significantly affected the vehicle’s overall score, limiting it to a one-star adult occupant rating. Protection for the abdomen was rated as adequate.
Like the Jolion, the Sonet does not include side head-protection airbags as standard, meaning the side pole test was not conducted.
Child safety scores were better, but not perfect
Both vehicles provided strong protection for child occupants during dynamic crash tests.
However, each lost points for missing safety features and installation shortcomings.
In the case of the Haval Jolion, the absence of proper markings and a passenger airbag deactivation switch prevented a higher rating.
For the Kia Sonet, the lack of three-point seatbelts in all seating positions, no passenger airbag disabling switch and a lower child restraint installation score contributed to its three-star rating.
Safety experts raise concernsGlobal NCAP Chief Executive Officer Richard Woods criticised what he described as a gap between the safety standards offered in Africa and those available in wealthier markets.
“It is unacceptable that global manufacturers continue to sell cars in Africa with safety standards they would never offer in markets like Europe,” Woods said.
He added that side head-protection airbags should be standard equipment on all new vehicles, regardless of where they are sold.
The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) echoed those concerns.
AA CEO Bobby Ramagwede warned that recent crash tests have revealed a troubling pattern among some entry-level vehicles available in South Africa.
He said motorists should exercise caution when purchasing new or used budget vehicles, noting that some models sold locally do not offer the same level of protection as versions available overseas.
