Two Tiggo 9 SUVs collided in a controlled 50% offset head-on crash while each travelling at 50km/h. The demonstration was designed to prove that the Tiggo 9 delivers world-class protection in one of the most dangerous accident scenarios on the continent.

Unlike conventional single-vehicle barrier tests, a dual-vehicle crash scenario places far greater stress on both the vehicles. This is because energy is distributed between two moving masses rather than being absorbed by a static wall. For South African motorists, this test is particularly relevant: research shows that head-on collisions in the country occur more frequently and have a higher fatality rate than the global average.

Verene Petersen, National Brand and Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa, notes that the dual-vehicle crash test was more than just a technical trial. “It represented a milestone in African automotive safety, the first of its kind, carried out in a country where road safety is an urgent priority.

“South Africans deserve proof, not promises. By bringing this pioneering test to Johannesburg, we wanted to show that Chery vehicles can stand up to the toughest real-world challenges. The Tiggo 9 protected its passengers exactly as designed.” High-speed monitoring confirmed that the Tiggo 9 cabins remained completely intact, with zero deformation of the A-, B- or C-pillars.

All the restraint systems worked as intended. The driver and passenger airbags deployed instantly, along with the driver’s knee airbag. The seatbelt pre-tensioners engaged seamlessly, and importantly, the fuel system stayed completely sealed, with no risk of post-impact fire.

Even more significant was what happened after the crash. All four doors could still be opened normally, providing easy access for emergency services, and the hazard lights activated automatically.

The Tiggo 9 has been engineered to meet global five-star safety standards, and this test provided visible proof. Its structure is made up of 85% high-strength steel, the highest percentage in its class. Of this, 21% is hot-formed ultra-high-strength steel rated at 1 500MPa, reinforcing critical load-bearing areas such as the A- and B-pillars.

The front end employs a dual aluminium-alloy anti-collision beam system, 140mm in height and covering 85% of the vehicle’s width. Six additional energy-absorbing crash boxes are strategically placed to dissipate impact forces. Together, these design elements ensure that energy is channelled away from the passenger cell, preserving survival space.

Chery describes safety as “the ultimate luxury”. This principle is evident in the way the brand subjects its vehicles to rigorous global testing. In recent years, Chery has immersed batteries in seawater in Indonesia, conducted high-altitude scraping tests in Mexico, and now carried out Africa’s first dual-vehicle crash test in South Africa.

Beyond the robust structure, the Tiggo 9 showcased the value of its 10-airbag system. The long 2 060mm curtain airbags stretched from A- to D-pillar, protecting all onboard passengers and retaining over 50% pressure even six seconds after deployment. This prolonged inflation helps reduce injuries in cases of rollover or multi-impact crashes.

A far-side airbag, positioned between the driver and front passenger seats, was also triggered. This innovative feature prevents secondary collisions between occupants during side impacts or severe swerves, technology that is still rare in the SUV segment.

Chery is pairing its technical leadership in the field of safety with social responsibility initiatives. Just a day after the Johannesburg test, the company co-hosted the “Champion for Education in Africa” forum with UNICEF, bringing together government agencies, NGOs and industry leaders to discuss children’s education on the continent.

Plans are also underway to launch a Hope Primary School donation programme in South Africa, underscoring the company’s “In Africa, For Africa” strategy that extends beyond products into communities.