WATCH: Popular Hyundai Grand i10 scores zero stars in crash test
The Hyundai Grand i10, has come under fire after Global NCAP’s latest crash tests handed it a zero-star rating for adult safet
Image: Global NCAP
One of South Africa’s most popular entry-level cars, the Hyundai Grand i10, has come under fire after Global NCAP’s latest crash tests handed it a zero-star rating for adult safety.
Global NCAP is a UK-registered charity working internationally to democratise vehicle safety in support of the UN Global Goals.
The car scored zero stars for adult occupant protection, meaning drivers and passengers face a high risk of serious injury in a crash. However, it achieved three stars for child occupant protection, showing that while children have some protection, adults remain dangerously exposed.
The Hyundai Grand i10, made in India, reportedly comes with only basic safety features like front airbags and lacks standard side or head airbag protection and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which are considered essential for modern car safety.
Global NCAP’s assessment exposed several serious and unacceptable weaknesses in the Hyundai Grand i10’s safety performance:
- Dangerously weak chest protection for the driver in the frontal impact test.
- Severe and potentially fatal chest injuries are likely in the side impact test, with critical injury thresholds exceeded and zero points awarded for adult protection.
- An unstable bodyshell and footwell, indicating structural integrity that cannot withstand further impact forces.
- No standard side body or head protection, and a Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) fitted only for the driver, leaving other occupants unprotected.
- No Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a proven crash-prevention technology that should be non-negotiable in any modern vehicle.
Global NCAP Chief Executive Officer, Richard Woods, said, "It was unacceptable to see the continued double standard on safety in low- and middle-income countries"
“It is unacceptable to see the continued double standard on safety in low- and middle-income countries. Democratising vehicle safety in Africa is a Global NCAP priority, and consumers deserve safer vehicles regardless of where in the world they live.”
The Automobile Association (AA) said the results were “deeply concerning” and highlighted a continuing pattern of vehicles sold in Africa offering lower safety standards than those available in other markets.
"The Hyundai Grand i10’s zero-star rating reinforces the urgent need for manufacturers to commit to equal safety for all markets. This result underlines why Africa urgently needs stronger regulatory standards and greater manufacturer accountability," AA Chief Executive Officer Bobby Ramagwede said.
"The AA believes no vehicle should be sold here without side protection systems and Electronic Stability Control as standard. Safety should never be optional, and certainly not reserved for markets outside Africa.”
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