How safe are SA’s most popular budget cars?

How safe are SA's most popular budget cars?

Car accidents are common in South Africa and while safe driving can help, having a car that can protect you when something goes wrong is also key.

The Global NCAP andAutomobile Association (AA) South Africa published their latest crash test results on some of the most popular budget cars in the country as part of the Safer Cars For Africa Campaign.

The campaign aims to promote safer vehicles on the continent, as many are still driving unsafe or old car models which are not up-to-date in terms of safety codes.

Most of the models tested are the cheapest on offer which have no airbags. This means other aspects of the car need to be able to protect passengers, rather than relying on airbag inflation.

In the latest rounds of tests, three models were put to the challenge. The Steed 5 pick-up, the Haval H1 SUV and the Kwid compact from Renault.

The results were poor, with all the cars not showing proper safety for adults or children.

“Another zero star rated ‘Bakkie’ gives us very serious cause for concern in our latest crash test results for Africa. The potential for life threatening injury in the Steed 5 follows the zero star performance of the Nissan Hardbody pick up. The contrast between the marketing claims for such vehicles and the reality of their poor safety performance could not be more stark,” said Alejandro Furas, Global NCAP Secretary General.

While none of the cars tested this year are particulalry popular in South Africa, #safercarsforafrica has tested some of those often seen on our roads in previous years.

Toyota Avanza 

Toyota Yaris 

Hyundai i20

Kia Picanto

Toyota Etios

Volkswagen Polo Vivo 

Picture: Global NCAP