by Toyota Starlet received zero stars in Global NCAP crash tests
Toyota is known as a manufacturer that places great emphasis on safety, but the latest Global NCAP crash test results tell a completely different story. The Toyota Starlet, one of the most popular hatchbacks in South Africa, received a shocking zero-star rating for adult occupant protection, proving the dangers of rebranding.
The organization tested the previous version of the Toyota Starlet, which is produced in India as a twin of the Suzuki Baleno. The differences between the two hatchbacks are limited to modified bumpers and tailgate doors, as well as unique powertrain options.
Despite having Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and dual front airbags as standard equipment, the Starlet demonstrated serious structural vulnerabilities during impact. According to Global NCAP, both the footwell area and the overall body shell integrity proved to be unstable and “not capable of withstanding further loadings.”
Failed side impact and child protection
The side impact test turned out to be a disaster: the lack of side airbags led to poor head and chest protection, while abdomen protection was rated as adequate. The results were so poor that Global NCAP outright refused to conduct the side pole impact test.
Although the model scored zero points for adult protection, it scored 29.33 points for child protection, resulting in a three-star rating. Nevertheless, the head of the three-year-old child dummy contacted the interior trim during the frontal crash test and suffered an impact during the side collision.
Richard Woods, Global NCAP’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “This is a shocking zero-star result from Toyota. The Starlet, one of the most popular cars sold in South Africa, had an unstable body shell, as well as poor head and chest protection, which is a serious cause for concern.”
There is hope, despite the terrible result
The timing of the test has caused tension between the safety organization and the automaker. As reported by the Citizen, Toyota South Africa stated that the tested car is “an outdated model which does not represent the Starlet currently available in the South African market.”
The updated version of the Toyota Starlet comes standard with side, head, and torso airbags. Global NCAP anonymously purchased a sample for testing and will update the results in the future.
This case highlights how important independent safety testing is, especially for models sold in developing markets. Vehicle rebranding, where the same platform is used by different manufacturers, can lead to buyers receiving an outdated design under a well-known brand. While Toyota promises to rectify the situation with the new version of the Starlet, the zero-star rating of the previous model is a serious signal for all automakers not to skimp on safety, even in budget cars. Consumers should carefully study crash test results rather than rely solely on brand reputation.
