Summarize

Wednesday's latest 2019 South African NCAP crash test results in conjunction with the Automobile Association showed reasonable adult protection, but child protection scores once again proved disappointing, while one local car lacked a significant amount of its overseas specification. Global NCAP tests on the Toyota Avanza, Honda Amaze and Suzuki Ignis were on average better than other recent results, with the Avanza and Amaze scoring four Adult stars and the Ignis three. 

The South African Suzuki Ignis scored three Adult stars versus overseas version scoring five due to the local version having two airbags and ABS as standard, while European versions offer six airbags and Electronic Stability Control too. Ignis displayed an unstable vehicle structure and weak driver chest protection in the local 64km/h frontal crash test and also achieved a low 2 stars child protection score after Suzuki failed to recommend a Child Restraint System, an aspect NCAP demands.

The Honda Amaze achieved a solid four stars for Adult Protection and was rated as stable in structure and its footwell area. Amaze however only achieved a one star rating for Child Protection when child dummies showed evidence of probable head injury to score zero in both head and child restraint.

The Avanza’s restraint systems worked properly while Seat Belt Reminders for driver and passenger met requirements, but the Toyota’s structure and footwell area were rated unstable and the Avanza achieved only two stars in Child Occupant Protection after the rear bench with its ISOFIX attachments detached from its the anchorages.

In all, while these these results are indeed encouraging, they still have some way to go in child protection. Local car buyers should also remain prudent when considering NCAP ratings to ensure that local variants being considered indeed meet international safety claims...