Johannesburg – The Hyundai Grand i10 has received a zero-star rating for adult occupant protection.
The Automobile Association (AA) has expressed “deep concern” following the latest #SaferCarsForAfrica crash test results from Global NCAP, which reveal that the Hyundai Grand i10 has received a zero-star rating for adult occupant protection.
Despite achieving three stars for child occupant protection, the results clearly demonstrate serious and unacceptable shortcomings in the level of safety provided to adults in the version sold across African markets, including South Africa.
AA Chief Executive Officer, Bobby Ramagwede, stated: “These results are deeply concerning and highlight a continuing pattern in which vehicles sold in Africa do not meet the same safety standards applied in other regions. South African motorists deserve better.
“The Hyundai Grand i10’s zero-star rating reinforces the urgent need for manufacturers to commit to equal safety for all markets.
“This result underlines why Africa urgently needs stronger regulatory standards and greater manufacturer accountability.”
Ramagwede added: “The AA believes no vehicle should be sold here without side protection systems and Electronic Stability Control as standard.
“Safety should never be optional, and certainly not reserved for markets outside Africa.”
The Hyundai Grand i10, manufactured in India, offers only basic safety equipment such as driver and passenger airbags.
It does not come standard with side body or head protection, nor does it include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) — features which are widely recognised as essential for modern vehicle safety.
Critical safety failures
Global NCAP’s assessment exposed several serious and unacceptable weaknesses in the Hyundai Grand i10’s safety performance:
- Dangerously weak chest protection for the driver in the frontal impact test.
- Severe and potentially fatal chest injuries are likely in the side impact test, with critical injury thresholds exceeded and zero points awarded for adult protection.
- An unstable bodyshell and footwell, indicating structural integrity that cannot withstand further impact forces.
- No standard side body or head protection, and a Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) fitted only for the driver, leaving other occupants unprotected.
- No Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a proven crash-prevention technology that should be non-negotiable in any modern vehicle.
AA calls for higher standards and an end to ‘double standards’
The AA believes that South African and African consumers deserve the same level of vehicle safety offered in other global markets and should not be subjected to reduced standards.
The AA also reiterates its longstanding position that South African and African consumers should not be offered vehicles with lower safety standards than those sold elsewhere in the world.
Global NCAP Chief Executive Officer, Richard Woods, stated: “It is unacceptable to see the continued double standard on safety in low- and middle-income countries.
“Democratising vehicle safety in Africa is a Global NCAP priority, and consumers deserve safer vehicles regardless of where in the world they live.”
The AA fully supports this position and will continue to push for stronger safety regulations and greater transparency from vehicle manufacturers operating in Africa.
