The Automobile Association (AA) has expressed concern following the latest #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign crash test results from Global NCAP, which reveal that the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro has received a disappointing two-star rating for adult occupant protection, due to the absence of standard side head protection for front and rear occupants.
Child occupant protection was rated at three stars. However, the Child Restraint System (CRS) failed the installation for all front rearward facing positions, with the vehicle lacking the option to disconnect the passenger airbag when a rearward facing child seat is placed in the passenger seat.
These findings are in relation to the entry-level models in the Tiggo 7 range currently on sale in South Africa. Tested by Global NCAP is the previous-generation Tiggo 7 Pro Distinction (currently on sale locally), while worth noting is that the current-generation Tiggo 7 Prime, the entry-point into the current-generation range, lacks the same highlighted safety features as the Tiggo 7 Pro Distinction.
The results clearly demonstrate shortcomings in the level of standard safety provided to adults in these models sold across African markets, including South Africa.
SAFETY FAILURES
Global NCAP’s assessment exposed several findings in the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro safety performance testing:
• The footwell area and bodyshell were found to be unstable and not capable of withstanding further loadings
• Side pole impact was not performed as the car does not offer standard side head protection for front and rear rows (the lack of this kind of protection exposes the head to the risk of severe injury even in a low-speed side impact with a pole or tree)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was standard, as were Seat Belt Reminders (SBRs) in all positions, although these did not meet Global NCAP requirements.
MISLEADING CONSUMER SENTIMENT
Global NCAP notes Chery SA’s recent dual-vehicle collision test which saw two Chery Tiggo 9 SUVs collide in a 50% offset head-on impact at 50 km/h in South Africa last year. These results and findings are not recognised by Global NCAP. The AA encourages consumers to look for market-specific NCAP test results, conducted in an NCAP environment, and taking into account NCAP-specific testing criteria and parameters.
Global NCAP Chief Executive Officer, Richard Woods, stated:
“A two-star rating for the Tiggo 7 Pro is very disappointing, but this poor result is seriously compounded by the publication of misleading information on crash test results from other markets. South African consumers need independent and accurate information to inform their purchasing decisions. Transparency and accountability on vehicle safety, not marketing smoke and mirrors, is fundamental to consumer safety”.
AA Chief Executive Officer, Bobby Ramagwede, stated:
“We note with concern the recent crash test conducted by Chery SA locally, which we deem as both an unsafe exercise and one misleading based on the principles of the NCAP studies undertaken in this critical area of safety. We further note recent media releases around the Tiggo 7 CSH and its five-star Euro NCAP rating - and again find this information one-sided as it does not flag the safety inadequacies of the entry-level models in this very range. Euro NCAP ratings are also specific to that market, for a rating to be recognised locally the vehicle needs to be assessed under the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign conducted by Global NCAP.
“We have been asked repeatedly by the local consumer to start testing Chinese vehicle brands for local NCAP safety ratings. These latest results highlight two key areas, a continuing pattern in which vehicles sold in Africa do not offer the same safety standards as other regions, alongside a heightened campaign to avoid disclosing to the local consumer the broader safety picture across a specific vehicle range.
“We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, South African motorists deserve better, irrespective of source or price-point of a vehicle, with this two-star rating reinforcing the urgent need for all manufacturers to commit to equal safety for all markets. This result underlines why Africa urgently needs stronger regulatory standards and greater manufacturer accountability.
The AA believes no vehicle should be sold here without side head protection for front and rear rows. Safety should never be an optional extra, and certainly not reserved for markets outside Africa.”
The AA fully supports this position and will continue to push for stronger safety regulations and greater transparency from vehicle manufacturers operating in Africa. The AA further encourages manufacturers to step up and correct these NCAP findings, be it on the manufacturing line or through a recall process, standing by the safety of the consumer is simply not negotiable.
Consumers across Africa are entitled to vehicle safety standards equivalent to those available in other international markets, at no extra cost. The organisation reiterates its long held view that African buyers should not be presented with vehicles that fall below global safety benchmarks.
The AA is advocating for a dedicated Africa NCAP programme, allowing for greater testing rigour and transparency in relation to vehicles available across the continent. Visit www.aa.co.za for all #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign crash test results to date from Global NCAP.
ABOUT GLOBAL NCAP
The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro was tested as part of the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign. Global NCAP is a UK-registered charity working internationally to democratise vehicle safety in support of the UN Global Goals. Between 2014 and 2026, the organisation has completed more than 100 safety assessments, driving significant improvements in the safety of vehicles sold in both India and Africa. Global NCAP also produces IMPACT, a newsletter focused on global road safety developments.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Read the full crash test report Chery Tiggo 7 Pro – fact sheet
Watch the crash test video Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Crash Test
Download the crash test images Frontal – Side
