Toyota Starlet scores zero stars in Global NCAP South Africa crash test

The Toyota Starlet, a rebadged version of the India-made Suzuki Baleno, has received a zero-star safety rating for adult occupant protection in the latest Global NCAP crash test for the South African market. The tested model, manufactured in India, scored three stars for child occupant protection. The Starlet is sold as the Toyota Glanza in India through the Maruti Suzuki partnership, while export markets like South Africa receive the Toyota Starlet branding.

Key Highlights

• Toyota Starlet scored zero stars for adult safety in Global NCAP South Africa crash test
• The tested model had dual front airbags and ESC but lacked side airbags
• Child occupant protection rated three stars with a score of 29.33 out of 49
• Toyota has updated the Starlet with additional airbags for the South African market
• Baleno platform shows varying NCAP safety ratings across different global markets

Crash Test Findings and Safety Equipment

The tested Toyota Starlet included dual front airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard features. However, it lacked side curtain airbags and side chest airbags. Global NCAP's report cited concerns about the car's structural integrity. Both the footwell area and body shell were rated as unstable and unable to withstand further loadings.

During the frontal offset crash test, head protection for the driver and passenger was rated from adequate to good. Chest protection was considered adequate, but knee protection was only marginal due to the risk of contact with hazardous structures behind the fascia. The side impact test resulted in poor ratings for both head and chest protection. Because the vehicle did not have standard side head protection airbags, the side pole impact test was not performed.

Child Occupant Protection and Ratings

For child occupant protection, the three-year-old dummy's head made contact with the vehicle interior during the frontal impact test. The side impact assessment also exposed the dummy's head to impact. The child occupant protection score was 29.33 out of 49 points, resulting in a three-star rating.

Model Update and Future Testing

Toyota informed Global NCAP that the South African-spec Starlet was being updated with additional safety equipment during the testing process. The updated model now includes side head and body airbags as standard. Global NCAP confirmed it has anonymously purchased the revised model and plans to conduct further tests. This will allow consumers to compare the safety performance of both versions.

Comparison with Other Markets

The India-made Baleno platform has shown different crash test results across NCAP programs. Previously, the Baleno scored two stars in Latin NCAP and four stars in Bharat NCAP. Differences in ratings are due to varying crash test protocols, scoring systems, equipment levels, and market-specific specifications. The zero-star rating for the outgoing Toyota Starlet in South Africa highlights how the same vehicle platform can yield different safety outcomes depending on market requirements and testing standards.

CarBike 360 Says

The zero-star rating for the Toyota Starlet highlights growing concerns around entry-level car safety in emerging markets. While affordability remains a key factor, compromised safety can no longer be overlooked. This result should prompt both manufacturers and buyers to prioritise essential safety features, ensuring that cost savings do not come at the expense of occupant protection.