Hyundai South Africa has been given a truly South African ‘snotklap’ by the Global NCAP, which has given the Grand i10 a zero rating for adult protection in the latest #SaferCarsForAfrica crash test results.
Despite achieving three stars for child occupant protection, the Hyundai Grand i10, as sold in South Africa and manufactured in India, offers only basic safety equipment such as driver and passenger crash bags. It does not come standard with side body or head protection, nor does it include Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
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According to Global NCAP’s assessment the Hyundai Grand i10 has:
• Dangerously weak chest protection for the driver in the frontal impact test.
• Severe and potentially fatal chest injuries 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.
Automobile Association (AA) Chief Executive Officer, Bobby Ramagwede, says: “These results are deeply concerning and highlight a continuing pattern in which vehicles sold in Africa do not meet the same safety standards applied in other regions. South African motorists deserve better.
“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. 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.”
“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,” says Global NCAP Chief Executive Officer, Richard Woods.
Hyundai South Africa commented: ".Hyundai Automotive South Africa notes the Press Release, published on 4 December 2025, regarding Global New Car Assessment Programmes.
"The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) is responsible for vehicle safety standards in South Africa. Hyundai Automotive South Africa takes vehicle safety extremely seriously and adheres to, and in some instances exceeds, all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements. Hyundai Automotive South Africa is in regular communication with Hyundai Motor Company regarding safety standards and will, furthermore, continue to optimize vehicle specifications to enhance our overall customer value proposition.
"In addition, Hyundai Automotive South Africa would support any extension of current safety standards by the NRCS as a requirement for launching and selling vehicles in South Africa."
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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