(Image: NCAP)
The GWM Haval Jolyon is one of South Africa's best-selling cars, which makes the latest news from the crash-test bench particularly inconvenient.
Entry-level crossovers don't have curtain airbags that keep your head from hitting the window in a side-impact crash, and the Automobile Association (which doesn't issue warnings for fun) wants you to know this before you sign the paperwork.
Global NCAP published the results on Wednesday as part of its #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign, run in partnership with the AA. The entry-level Jolyon City model tested with two stars for adult occupant protection and three stars for child protection.
The car came with four airbags as standard – driver and passenger frontal units, plus two side body bags – and electronic stability control. What it did not have, and which Global NCAP now considers non-negotiable for any rating above two stars, was side head protection. Side pole testing was not conducted because the equipment was not present.
Frontal impact protection appeared to be good for the head, neck and chest, but knee protection was rated marginal. Under Global NCAP's revised requirements from July 2022, any vehicle without airbags is automatically capped at two stars for adult safety, regardless of how well it performs elsewhere.
Child occupant protection was a bright spot, with both dummies achieving full protection in the dynamic test. The three-star child rating was reduced only due to poor markings and the absence of a passenger airbag disabling switch.
AA chief executive Bobby Ramgwede did not mince words.
“South African motorists should exercise extreme caution when purchasing new or used entry-level vehicles, as a recent series of crash tests has shown a worrying trend with entry-level models on sale in South Africa lacking adequate crash protection and, perhaps more worryingly, very few of the vehicles tested offer the same safety ratings as similar models on sale overseas,” he said.
He added that basic safety features such as side-impact airbags and electronic stability control could be added for “only a nominal increase in the price of the vehicle.”
Richard Woods, chief executive of Global NCAP, was even more candid. He said, “It is unacceptable that global manufacturers continue to sell cars in Africa with safety standards they would never offer in markets like Europe.” “Side head protection airbags should be standard in every new car, in every market.”
For a vehicle that sits on so many South African driveways, two stars is not a passing grade. This is a warning.
GWM South Africa Acknowledging the findings, it told MyBroadband that the safety of its customers remains its top priority and it is committed to continuously enhancing the safety performance and specifications of its vehicles.
“As part of our ongoing product enhancement strategy, we are working to more closely align the safety specifications of our entry-level models with our higher-grade variants,” the company said.
“To this end, future Haval Jolyon City and Jolyon Pro premium models will be equipped with curtain airbags as standard, further enhancing passenger safety and overall vehicle safety.”
The Kia Sonet, tested with the Jolyon, performed poorly, scoring one star for adult safety with an unstable bodyshell, which Global NCAP said was “not able to withstand forward loading.” The face-off between the two stars was good news.
(Source: Global NCAP & mybroadband)