The South African-spec Toyota Starlet has received a 0-star adult occupant protection rating in the latest Global NCAP crash tests. The hatchback is manufactured in India and exported to South Africa. It shares most of its structure and design with the India-spec Toyota Glanza, which itself is based on the Maruti Suzuki Baleno.
However, unlike the India-spec Glanza, the tested Starlet came with only two airbags as standard. Global NCAP also highlighted poor side-impact protection and an unstable bodyshell. These findings have sparked discussions because the Baleno previously scored 4 stars in Bharat NCAP testing.
Adult Occupant Protection Results
The Toyota Starlet scored 0 out of 34 points for adult occupant protection. During the frontal offset deformable barrier test, the hatchback offered good protection to the driver’s neck and left tibia. Protection for the co-driver’s head and neck also remained good.
However, several areas received only adequate or marginal ratings. The driver’s chest and right tibia showed limited protection. The co-driver’s chest and tibiae also delivered only an adequate safety performance. In addition, Global NCAP marked the bodyshell as unstable, which means it may not withstand further crash loads effectively.
Side Impact Performance Raises Concerns
The side-movable deformable barrier test revealed major weaknesses in the Starlet’s safety package. Since the tested version lacked side airbags, the dummy recorded poor protection for the head and chest areas. Protection for the abdomen was rated adequate, while pelvis protection remained good.
Global NCAP also skipped the side pole impact test because the vehicle did not offer standard side head protection. This omission heavily affected the overall adult safety score. According to Global NCAP CEO Richard Woods, the result was concerning because the Starlet is one of South Africa’s popular hatchbacks.
Child Occupant Protection Results
For child occupant protection, the Toyota Starlet scored 29.33 out of 49 points, resulting in a 3-star rating. In the frontal impact test, the 18-month-old child dummy achieved a respectable score. However, the 3-year-old dummy recorded much lower protection levels.
The side impact test showed an even bigger difference. The younger child dummy received full points, but the older child dummy scored zero because its head remained exposed inside the child restraint system. Global NCAP also deducted points because the passenger airbag could not be disabled while using a rearward-facing child seat.
Safety Features On The Tested Starlet
The South African-spec Starlet tested by Global NCAP came equipped with two airbags, electronic stability control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, pretensioners and seatbelt reminders for all seats. In comparison, the India-spec Glanza now offers six airbags as standard across the range.
Following the crash test results, Toyota reportedly updated the South African-spec Starlet with additional side and curtain airbags. Global NCAP has confirmed that the updated version will undergo another round of crash testing soon. The upcoming results may show a significant improvement over the current rating.
Difference Between Global NCAP & Bharat NCAP Scores
The Starlet’s crash test result stands out because the Baleno achieved a 4-star adult occupant protection rating in Bharat NCAP tests. Interestingly, even the dual-airbag Baleno managed a much stronger score than the Starlet despite similar safety equipment.
One major reason could be the difference in testing protocols between Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP. Bharat NCAP also conducted side pole impact tests on the Baleno, where it performed better. Additionally, Bharat NCAP does not evaluate bodyshell integrity in the same manner as Global NCAP.
Conclusion
The Toyota Starlet’s 0-star Global NCAP rating highlights how crash test outcomes can vary across different markets and testing protocols. While the India-spec Glanza and Baleno have performed much better under Bharat NCAP, the South African-spec Starlet exposed weaknesses in side-impact protection and structural integrity.
Toyota has already responded by adding more safety equipment to the exported model. The updated crash test results will now become important for understanding whether these improvements can significantly boost the Starlet’s safety performance.
