Overview
- Global NCAP’s #SaferCarsForAfrica tests of the outgoing South Africa‑spec Starlet returned 0 out of 34 points for adult protection and 29.33 out of 49 for child protection.
- The India‑built test car had two front airbags, ESC and ISOFIX, and its bodyshell and footwell were rated unstable with poor side‑impact protection.
- Toyota South Africa said the vehicle assessed was an old specification and said current versions add side and curtain airbags, bringing some trims to six airbags.
- Global NCAP said it has already bought the revised Starlet for an independent retest, and it will publish those results so buyers can compare both versions.
- South Africa’s Automobile Association warned the poor score endangers many entry‑level and fleet drivers, while differing ratings for the related Baleno platform—four stars in Bharat NCAP and two in Latin NCAP—show how market equipment and test rules change outcomes.