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By Jason Woosey 
3h ago
JOHANNESBURG – Global NCAP’s crash test authority in partnership with the Automobile Association has released the fourth round of crash test results for South African-spec vehicles and the findings leave little to be desired.
The #SaferCarsForAfrica initiative, as it is called, has had another zero-star performance, this time from the GWM Steed 5 bakkie. It was tested alongside the Haval H1 and Renault Kwid, both of which received two stars for impact protection for adult and child occupants, but it is at least encouraging to note that the French car performed better than the Indian model due to the fact that it was equipped . with more security features.
That could very well be the case with the Suzuki S-Presso, which recently caused a sensation after the Indian-spec model received zero stars in its Global NCAP crash test. However, it is generally believed that the SA model (which has an additional safety kit) would have worked better. Although the SA-spec Suzuki has yet to be tested, an AA spokesperson has hinted that it could be included in the next round of crash tests.
For now, let’s take a closer look at the latest round of crash tests for South African spec cars.
GWM Steed 5-0 Stars
The GWM Steed’s zero-star result follows the dismal performance of its South African-built rival, the Nissan NP300.
Per the Global NCAP protocol, the base version of the Steed 5 was tested, and this car does not come with airbags (although higher spec vehicles do). However, Global NCAP also commented that the addition of airbags might not have made a big difference in this case, due to the deformation of the cabin and movement of the steering column. The Steed’s frame was deemed unstable, as was the footwell area, and the crash test authority cited poor head protection and weak neck and chest protection.
The Steed also received zero stars for child protection, and the three-year fictitious CRS broke on impact.
On a more positive note, GWM is launching the largest and most luxurious bakkie P-Series in SA this week and given its ambition to take on the best, it’s fair to assume that it will offer higher safety standards.
Renault Kwid – 2 stars
One of South Africa’s best-selling cars, the Renault Kwid achieved two stars for both adult occupants and child protection.
This was an improvement over the one-star adult occupant score achieved by the Indian-spec model (which has only one airbag), but the SA-spec model, which is also built in India but is equipped with two airbags, it lagged behind the three star ratings achieved by the Latin American model, which has four protection bags.
The South African model was considered to offer adequate protection for the driver’s head and good protection for the front passenger. Neck protection was good in both cases, but the driver’s chest showed weak protection.
However, the body structure and footwell were still rated as “unstable”, while the child occupant’s performance in crashes was considered poor as the doll’s head made contact with the interior of the car. The lack of ISOFIX anchors also contributed to the car’s two-star rating.
Haval H1 – 2 stars
Like the Kwid, the Haval H1 compact SUV was awarded two stars for the protection of children and adults.
While the structure was rated unstable, Global NCAP found the head and neck protection to be “good” for both the driver and passenger, however the driver’s chest and foot protection was deemed weak.
On the child protection front, this car had at least ISOFIX anchors, however the manufacturer did not recommend a child seat and using the one chosen by Global NCAP, the heads of both children’s dolls came into contact with the car during crash tests.
These are the South African cars that have been tested by Global NCAP so far:
There is still a long way to go for vehicle safety in South Africa
Commenting on GWM Steed’s zero star rating, Global NCAP Secretary General Alejandro Furas said: “Another ‘Bakkie’ zero star rating gives us very serious cause for concern in our latest crash test results. for Africa. The potential for life-threatening injuries in the Steed 5 follows the zero-star performance of the Nissan Hardbody pickup.
“The contrast between the marketing claims of these vehicles and the reality of their poor safety performance could not be more stark.”
Towards Zero Foundation President David Ward added: “This is a set of worrying results for the safety of the adult and child occupants of these popular African cars.
“Our second zero #SaferCarsforAfrica rating in the ‘Bakkie’ category, with the high probability of life-threatening injuries, should sound the alarm bells for any consumer considering purchasing a Steed 5 truck.
AA South Africa Executive Director Willem Groenewald reiterated the call to improve safety standards set by the government.
“We have spoken with the National Mandatory Standards Regulator about the standards and while the evidence is clear, we are eager to see a move in this regard. Action is needed, and it is needed now because it is about protecting South African citizens. “
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