The India-made Toyota Starlet, which is essentially the South African version of the Toyota Glanza, has achieved a zero-star safety rating in the latest Global NCAP crash tests under the Safer Cars for Africa programme. While the hatchback managed to score three stars for child occupant protection, its adult safety performance was shocking.Global NCAP tested the outgoing South African spec Starlet which is manufactured here. Maruti SuzukiPlant in Gujarat and exported abroad. The tested model was equipped with dual front airbags and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard, but missed out on side and curtain airbags.In the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) test, the Starlet scored 0 out of 34 points, resulting in a zero-star rating. During the frontal offset crash test, the driver’s head protection was rated as fair to good, while chest protection was rated as adequate. However, the side barrier impact test exposed serious risks of head and chest injuries.
In Child Occupant Protection (COP), the hatchback scored 29.33 points out of 49, earning it a three-star rating. Global NCAP noted that the 18-month dummy had good overall protection. However, in the case of the three-year-old dummy, the head contacted the interior during testing and remained exposed during the side-impact test.Interestingly, Toyota informed Global NCAP during the testing process that the South African-spec Starlet has now been updated with additional safety equipment. Side head airbags, side body airbags and more safety features are reportedly standard on the revised model. Global NCAP has confirmed that it has anonymously purchased the updated version and new crash tests will be carried out soon.
