The Toyota Starlet has received a zero-star safety rating from Global NCAP, a leading independent crash testing authority. The test was conducted on an older-spec model, which was equipped with only two airbags. According to the Global NCAP website, the Starlet demonstrated serious occupant protection failures, particularly in side impact testing due to the lack of side and curtain-level airbags.
The crash test formed part of the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign, a partnership between Global NCAP and the Automobile Association of South Africa. The organisation found the footwell area and bodyshell to be “unstable and not capable of withstanding further loadings.” In the frontal collision, head protection was rated as “adequate” for the driver and “good” for the front passenger.
Safety Concerns
The Toyota Starlet’s poor safety rating has raised concerns among motorists, particularly in South Africa where the vehicle is popular. Richard Woods, CEO of Global NCAP, stated that the Starlet had an unstable bodyshell, as well as poor head and chest protection, which are both a cause for serious concern.
Here are some key findings from the crash test:
- The Starlet was given a three-star rating for child protection, although Global NCAP did state that in the side impact assessment the head of the three-year-old dummy was exposed to impact.
- The vehicle’s bodyshell was found to be unstable and not capable of withstanding further loadings.
- The lack of side and curtain-level airbags was cited as a significant factor in the poor safety rating.
Updated Model to be Tested
Toyota has since updated the Starlet model in the South African market, and it now comes with new safety features fitted as standard, including six airbags. Global NCAP has announced that it will test the revised model later this year.
In the meantime, customers who purchased the older version with two airbags have been encouraged to take heed of its safety rating. The Toyota Starlet is not the only car to be hit with a zero-star Global NCAP safety rating, with the Hyundai Grand i10 also receiving a poor safety rating last year.
