The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, a popular vehicle in the South African market, has received a disappointing two-star safety rating in crash tests conducted by Global NCAP, raising concerns about vehicle safety standards and potentially misleading marketing practices. The Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa has voiced serious concerns following the results of the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign.
The two-star rating specifically applies to adult occupant protection. Global NCAP’s assessment highlighted a critical deficiency: the absence of standard side head protection for both front and rear passengers. This omission significantly increases the risk of severe head injury in side impacts, even at relatively low speeds involving objects like poles or trees. Child occupant protection received a slightly better, but still concerning, three-star rating.
However, the child safety assessment revealed further issues. The Child Restraint System (CRS) installation failed in all front rearward-facing positions. Crucially, the vehicle lacks the ability to disconnect the passenger airbag when a rearward-facing child seat is used, a standard safety feature in many modern vehicles designed to prevent serious injury or fatality to infants.
The tested model was the previous-generation Tiggo 7 Pro Distinction, currently still available for sale in South Africa. Notably, the current-generation Tiggo 7 Prime, the entry-level model in the newer range, also lacks the highlighted safety features found in the Distinction model, suggesting a broader issue with safety provisions across the Tiggo 7 lineup.
Global NCAP’s technical assessment revealed further structural weaknesses. The footwell area and the vehicle’s bodyshell were deemed unstable and incapable of withstanding significant additional force in a crash. While Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Seat Belt Reminders (SBRs) were standard features, Global NCAP found they did not meet the organization’s stringent requirements for effectiveness.
The AA’s concerns extend beyond the Tiggo 7 Pro’s performance to the potential for misleading consumers. The organization believes that the lack of standard safety features, particularly side head protection, represents a significant safety shortfall for vehicles sold in African markets, including South Africa.
Adding to the controversy, Global NCAP has strongly criticized Chery for publishing media statements that used NCAP results from other markets, which are not relevant to the models sold in South Africa. Richard Woods, Chief Executive Officer of Global NCAP, 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.”
The situation has prompted discussion about potentially raising minimum compulsory safety standards for vehicles sold in South Africa. Moneyweb reported that the country may be moving towards stricter regulations to ensure a higher baseline level of safety for all vehicles on the road. This potential shift in policy comes as regulators and consumer safety advocates increasingly scrutinize the safety performance of vehicles, particularly those from emerging manufacturers.
The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro’s poor showing in the Global NCAP crash tests underscores the importance of independent safety assessments and transparent communication of safety features to consumers. The incident highlights the potential risks associated with prioritizing cost over safety and the need for robust regulatory oversight to protect vehicle occupants. The AA’s concerns, coupled with Global NCAP’s criticism of Chery’s marketing practices, suggest a growing demand for greater accountability and consumer protection within the automotive industry in South Africa.
The implications of these findings extend beyond the Tiggo 7 Pro. The lack of standard side head protection and the issues with child seat installation raise questions about the safety standards of other vehicles sold in the region, particularly those from Chinese manufacturers gaining market share. Consumers are advised to carefully review safety ratings and features before making a purchase, and to prioritize vehicles that offer a comprehensive suite of safety technologies.
