The Automobile Association (AA) has expressed concern following the latest #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign crash test results from Global NCAP, which reveal that the Toyota Corolla Cross has received a two-star rating for adult occupant protection, due to the absence of standard side head protection.
Despite achieving three stars for child occupant protection, the results clearly demonstrate shortcomings in the level of safety provided to adults in the version sold across African markets, including South Africa.
The Toyota Corolla Cross, manufactured in South Africa, offers driver and passenger frontal airbags, side body airbags, driver knee airbag and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), but critically no side head protection locally – which is a critical component, recognised as essential for modern vehicle safety.
SAFETY FAILURES
Global NCAP’s assessment exposed several findings in the Toyota Corolla Cross safety performance testing:
- Footwell area found to be unstable and not capable of withstanding further loadings (bodyshell was rated as stable)
- 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)
- Side impact showed good protection to the abdomen and pelvis, with adequate protection to the chest
- Child protection receives three stars, owing to the lack of passenger airbag disconnection and the head of the three-year-old dummy being exposed in both side and frontal impact tests
AA CALLS FOR HIGHER STANDARDS AND AN END TO DOUBLE STANDARDS
According to the AA, consumers across Africa are entitled to vehicle safety standards equivalent to those available in other international markets. The organisation reiterates its long‑held view that African buyers should not be presented with vehicles that fall below global safety benchmarks
Global NCAP Chief Executive Officer, Richard Woods, stated:
“Manufacturers like Toyota know how to build safer vehicles and consumers in Africa deserve the same levels of safety performance which are fitted standard in other parts of the world. Highlighting this disparity and democratising vehicle safety in Africa is a Global NCAP priority.”
AA Chief Executive Officer, Bobby Ramagwede, stated:
“These results are deeply concerning. There really is no excuse for the lack of side head protection in the popular Toyota Corolla Cross. This again highlights 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, especially exasperated in this case considering that the Corolla Cross is locally built for local consumption at Toyota’s Prospecton plant in KwaZulu-Natal.
“The two-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 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 not negotiable.
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.
ABOUT GLOBAL NCAP
The Toyota Corolla Cross 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.
Vortex
Robert Hersov: Founder and Chairman – Invest Africa: Robert Hersov founded Invest Africa three years ago, after spotting an opportunity to create a platform for the growing number of individuals becoming involved in pan-African investments.Invest Africa is a network of decision makers at top global organisations, fund managers, private investors, family offices, entrepreneurs, and policy makers – all with a common interest in Africa. Hersov has launched operations in London, New York, Johannesburg, Geneva, Zurich and Dubai and has amassed hundreds of high level members.