Chery Tiggo 7 Pro achieves just two stars in Global NCAP crash test, raising safety concerns from AA

South African consumers have been asking for Global NCAP testing on Chinese cars for a while now, and a test conducted on the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro shows concerning results.

The Tiggo 7 Pro received a “disappointing” two-star adult occupant safety rating in Global NCAP’s #SaferCarsForAfrica test.

Furthermore, Global NCAP strongly criticised Chery for the recent publication of media statements using NCAP results not relevant to the models available in South Africa. NCAP assessments are market-specific.

Results should not be used selectively to give consumers a false impression of safety performance, according to Global NCAP.

No side and head protection

The rating was attributed to the absence of standard side head protection for front and rear occupants. Child occupant protection was rated at three stars, although the Child Restraint System (CRS) failed installation for all front and rearward-facing positions. 

The vehicle also lacks the option to disconnect the passenger airbag when a rearward-facing child seat is placed in the front passenger seat.

The findings relate to entry-level models in the Tiggo 7 range currently on sale in South Africa. Global NCAP tested the previous-generation Tiggo 7 Pro Distinction, which remains on sale locally. The current-generation Tiggo 7 Prime, which serves as the entry point into the updated range, also lacks the same highlighted safety features.

According to the AA, the results demonstrate shortcomings in the level of standard safety provided to adults in these models sold across African markets, including South Africa.

Safety findings identified

Global NCAP’s assessment identified several safety-related findings:

• The footwell area and bodyshell were found to be unstable and not capable of withstanding further loadings.
• A side pole impact test was not performed because the vehicle does not offer standard side head protection for the front and rear rows. The lack of such protection exposes occupants’ heads to the risk of severe injury even in low-speed side impacts with a pole or tree.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was standard, as were Seat Belt Reminders (SBRs) in all positions, although these did not meet Global NCAP requirements.

AA warns against misleading safety perceptions

Global NCAP also referred to a recent dual-vehicle collision test conducted locally by Chery South Africa involving two Tiggo 9 SUVs in a 50% offset head-on impact at 50km/h. 

Global NCAP stated that such results are not recognised under its testing protocols and encouraged consumers to rely on independent, market-specific NCAP results.

 “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, is fundamental to consumer safety,” said Richard Woods, chief executive officer of Global NCAP.

Call for stronger safety standards and transparency

Bobby Ramagwede, chief executive officer of the AA, added: “We note with concern the recent crash test conducted by Chery SA locally, which we deem as both an unsafe exercise and one misleading based on the principles of the NCAP studies undertaken in this critical area of safety. 

“We further note recent media releases around the Tiggo 7 CSH and its five-star Euro NCAP rating and again find this information one-sided as it does not flag the safety inadequacies of the entry-level models in this very range.

"Euro NCAP ratings are also specific to that market. For a rating to be recognised locally, the vehicle needs to be assessed under the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign conducted by Global NCAP.”

He further added: “We have been asked repeatedly by the local consumer to start testing Chinese vehicle brands for local NCAP safety ratings. 

“These latest results highlight two key areas: a continuing pattern in which vehicles sold in Africa do not offer the same safety standards as other regions, alongside a heightened campaign to avoid disclosing to the local consumer the broader safety picture across a specific vehicle range.

“We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, South African motorists deserve better, irrespective of the source or price point of a vehicle, with this two-star rating reinforcing the urgent need for all manufacturers to commit to equal safety for all markets.

"The AA believes no vehicle should be sold here without side head protection for front and rear rows. Safety should never be an optional extra, and certainly not reserved for markets outside Africa.”

Previous tests

This latest Global NCAP test on the Tiggo 7 Pro follows recent tests on the Hyundai Grand i10 and Toyota Corolla Cross.

The Hyundai Grand i10 received a zero-star rating for adult occupant protection. It was found to have an unstable bodyshell, weak chest protection for the driver, and a lack of standard side-body or head protection. It achieved three stars for child occupant protection.

The Corolla Cross received a low two-star rating for adult occupant protection largely due to the absence of standard side head protection. It was awarded three stars for child occupant protection.