Popular Chery Tiggo 7 scores low two-star in global safety crash test

The popular Chery Tiggo 7 Pro scored a two-star safety rating in the Global New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) safety crash test.

The crash test revealed that the car did not have any side wall protection, and the footwell area and bodyshell could not withstand additional impact forces.

Automobile Association CEO Bobby Ramagwede explained that the footwell will essentially deform when it experiences excessive load.

“This means that your feet are not entirely safe once you cross a certain force threshold. And more importantly, because of the absence of side impact airbags, the car automatically scores a two out of five… there is inadequate protection for the occupants.”

Child occupant protection was rated at three stars.

This is the third vehicle in recent months to receive a low safety rating, following the Hyundai Grand i10 and Toyota Corolla Cross.

RELATED: Hyundai Grand i10 fails global safety test

Ramagwede said these findings relate to the entry-level models in the Tiggo 7 range, currently available in South Africa.

While Chery conducted an in-house test, he argued that it was misleading.

“When you crash test two vehicles, all you really demonstrated is what it look likes when two Tiggo 9s have a head-on collision. It is very far from scientific, and not demonstrative of the safety features of the vehicle.” 

Ramagwede highlighted the importance of prioritising safety features over luxury features, and the need for consumers to be aware of the safety ratings of the vehicles they purchase.

To listen to Ramagwede in conversation with Wendy Knowler and CapeTalk’s Pippa Hudson, click the audio player below: