Two vehicles frequently seen on South African roads have come under scrutiny following the release of the latest crash test results from the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP).
- Haval Jolion Performs Better But Falls Short of Top Ratings
- Kia Sonet Scores Just One Star for Adult Occupant Protection
- Child Occupant Protection More Positive
- Growing Debate Over Vehicle Safety Standards in Africa
- Automobile Association Warns Consumers
- Safety Becoming a Bigger Buying Factor
- What It Means for South African Buyers
The Kia Sonet and GWM Haval Jolion, both among the country’s top-selling compact SUVs, delivered lower-than-expected performances in the latest #SaferCarsForAfrica safety assessments.
The results have prompted renewed calls for stronger safety standards and greater consumer awareness when purchasing new vehicles.
While affordability, fuel efficiency and technology features often influence buying decisions, safety experts argue that crash protection should remain one of the most important considerations for motorists and their families.
Haval Jolion Performs Better But Falls Short of Top Ratings
Of the two vehicles tested, the GWM Haval Jolion achieved the stronger overall result.
The SUV received a two-star rating for adult occupant protection and three stars for child occupant protection.
According to Global NCAP, the Jolion provided good protection for occupants’ heads, necks and chest areas during frontal collision testing.
The vehicle also performed well in side-impact assessments, where protection levels were generally rated positively.
However, several shortcomings prevented the Jolion from achieving a higher score.
Missing Safety Equipment Impacts Rating
One of the main concerns highlighted by evaluators was the absence of side head-protection airbags as standard equipment.
Because these airbags are not fitted as standard, the vehicle was not eligible for the more demanding side-pole impact assessment.
Global NCAP also noted that knee protection was only rated as marginal in certain crash scenarios.
Despite these concerns, the Jolion includes important safety technologies such as:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Side body airbags
- Modern occupant restraint systems
These features contributed positively to the vehicle’s overall performance.
Kia Sonet Scores Just One Star for Adult Occupant Protection
The Kia Sonet recorded the lower of the two ratings, receiving just one star for adult occupant protection and three stars for child occupant protection.
Crash test findings raised concerns about the vehicle’s structural integrity during severe collisions.
According to the assessment, both the bodyshell and footwell area were found to be unstable during testing.
Safety experts warn that structural instability can reduce a vehicle’s ability to protect occupants during high-impact crashes.
Side Impact Performance Raises Concerns
The Sonet’s overall rating was significantly affected by its side-impact performance.
Global NCAP found poor chest protection in side-impact testing, a factor that heavily influenced the final score.
Protection for the abdomen was assessed as adequate, but not strong enough to offset weaknesses identified elsewhere.
Like the Jolion, the Sonet was not subjected to side-pole impact testing due to the absence of standard side curtain airbags.
Child Occupant Protection More Positive
Despite concerns regarding adult protection, both vehicles performed relatively well when tested for child occupant safety.
Each vehicle received a three-star child occupant protection rating.
However, neither vehicle achieved a higher score due to missing safety features and installation-related concerns.
Haval Jolion Child Safety Findings
The Jolion lost points because of:
- Missing child restraint markings
- Lack of a passenger airbag deactivation switch
Kia Sonet Child Safety Findings
The Sonet’s score was affected by:
- Absence of three-point seatbelts in all seating positions
- No passenger airbag deactivation switch
- Lower child restraint installation performance
Safety specialists note that these features play an important role in ensuring child safety seats function effectively during collisions.
Growing Debate Over Vehicle Safety Standards in Africa
The latest results have once again highlighted concerns that vehicles sold in developing markets may not always match the safety standards available elsewhere.
Global NCAP Chief Executive Officer Richard Woods criticised what he described as a persistent disparity between vehicle safety offerings in Africa and those sold in wealthier regions.
According to Woods, consumers in African markets deserve the same levels of protection available to buyers in Europe and other developed economies.
He argued that advanced safety equipment, including side head-protection airbags, should become standard across all markets rather than being reserved for premium specifications.
Automobile Association Warns Consumers
The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) has echoed these concerns.
AA Chief Executive Officer Bobby Ramagwede said recent crash test results reveal a troubling trend involving some entry-level and budget-focused vehicles available locally.
He encouraged consumers to research independent safety ratings before making purchasing decisions.
The warning applies not only to new vehicle buyers but also to motorists considering used vehicles.
Industry experts note that two vehicles with similar prices and features can offer vastly different levels of crash protection.
Safety Becoming a Bigger Buying Factor
Vehicle safety is increasingly becoming a key consideration for South African consumers.
With road accidents continuing to claim thousands of lives annually, safety technologies such as:
- Electronic Stability Control
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Side Curtain Airbags
- Advanced Occupant Protection Systems
- Lane Departure Warning Systems
are becoming increasingly important factors in purchasing decisions.
Analysts believe crash test transparency is helping consumers make more informed choices while encouraging manufacturers to improve safety standards across all vehicle categories.
What It Means for South African Buyers
The latest Global NCAP results do not suggest that motorists should automatically avoid the Kia Sonet or Haval Jolion.
However, the findings serve as a reminder that price, design and technology features should not be the only factors considered when purchasing a vehicle.
Safety ratings provide valuable insight into how a vehicle may perform during a serious collision and can ultimately make a significant difference in protecting occupants.
As consumers become more safety-conscious, pressure is likely to increase on manufacturers to ensure that vehicles sold in Africa meet the same standards expected in other major automotive markets.
