Zero-star safety ratings spark concern over cars sold in South Africa

Fresh crash test results have reignited debate over vehicle safety standards in South Africa, after some of the country’s most popular cars scored poorly in independent assessments.

Consumer journalist Wendy Knowler said that the findings highlight how outdated local regulations allow manufacturers to sell lower-spec vehicles than those offered in other markets.

Grand i10 shock result

The biggest concern centres on the Hyundai Grand i10, which scored zero stars for adult occupant protection in crash tests conducted under the Safer Cars for Africa programme.

“Zero stars, in anybody’s language, is unacceptable. The car shouldn’t be on the road,” Knowler said.

The tests, conducted at just 64km/h, showed a risk of potentially fatal injuries for front-seat occupants.

Hyundai maintained that the car complies with South African legal requirements, a defence Knowler said exposes how low the bar currently is.

Corolla Cross is also under scrutiny

The Toyota Corolla Cross, one of the country’s top-selling SUVs, also came under fire after scoring two stars for adult occupants and three for children.

Toyota responded by saying the vehicle is safe, but testers flagged the absence of curtain airbags as a key weakness.

“There is a world of difference between zero and five stars,” Knowler said, “but we shouldn’t be getting sub-three ratings in 2026.”

Legal, but is it ethical?

The crash tests are conducted by the Automobile Association in partnership with Global NCAP, which anonymously purchases and tests base-model cars sold locally.

Knowler rejected the argument that affordability justifies lower safety standards.

“How do you justify giving buyers in Europe or Australia better safety features, but not South Africans?” she asked.

Her view is that safety features should be standard, not optional extras reserved for higher-end models.

“Sound systems and trim can vary,” she said. “Safety shouldn’t.”

For more details, listen to Knowler using the audio player below: