However, importantly, the vehicle tested is no longer available as a new car in South Africa. The tested model was the outgoing entry level Starlet launched in 2022 and fitted with only two airbags. Toyota updated the Starlet range locally in September 2025 and all new models sold since then come standard with six airbags across the range.

Despite the updated safety specification now available on newer models, more than 20 000 South African customers had already purchased the earlier two airbag version before the upgrade was introduced.

The #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign is a partnership between the Automobile Association and the Global New Car Assessment Programme. Vehicles are anonymously bought in South Africa, shipped to Europe and subjected to internationally recognised crash testing procedures.

According to the organisations, the tested Toyota Starlet demonstrated significant shortcomings in occupant protection, particularly during side impact testing. The lack of side body and side head airbags, combined with what was described as an unstable bodyshell structure, contributed to the zero-star result.

Global NCAP stated that both head and chest protection during the side impact test were rated as poor, while the abdomen protection was only considered adequate. The organisation also said the footwell area and bodyshell were unstable and not capable of withstanding further loadings.

In the frontal impact test, the head of the three-year-old child dummy reportedly contacted the vehicle interior, and chest protection was rated as low. During the side impact assessment, the child dummy’s head was exposed to impact.

Because side head protection airbags were not fitted as standard on the tested version, the side pole test was not conducted.

Richard Woods, Chief Executive Officer of Global NCAP, described the outcome as concerning.

“This is a shocking zero-star result from Toyota. The Starlet, one of the most popular cars sold in South Africa, had an unstable bodyshell, as well as poor head and chest protection which are both a cause for serious concern,” he says.

He also acknowledged the improvements introduced on the updated model.

“Toyota has updated this model in the South African market. It now comes with new safety features fitted as standard. We welcome this improvement in safety equipment, and we will put the revised model to the test very soon,” he adds.

The AA says many owners may not be aware that their vehicles predate the six-airbag update. It advised owners and drivers of rental or fleet Starlets to inspect the roof lining and B pillar areas for SRS Airbag markings, which indicate whether the vehicle is equipped with the additional airbags fitted to the newer version.

The organisation also noted that no structural updates are evident following the addition of the extra airbags. Global NCAP plans to test the updated six airbag version later this year.