Toyota Starlet scores 0 stars in Global NCAP crash test

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Bodyshell integrity: unstable; footwell area: unstable

The made-in-India Toyota Starlet, a.k.a the rebadged Suzuki Baleno hatchback, has scored zero stars in Global NCAP’s #SaferCarsforAfrica crash tests. The hatchback scored zero for adult occupant protection and 3 stars for child occupant protection. Interestingly, the India-spec Baleno, in both 2- and 6-airbag variants, had scored 4 stars in BNCAP tests. The South African-spec Starlet comes with two front airbags, seat-belt reminder for all seats, and ESC as standard.

Adult Occupant Protection
In the frontal impact test, the report said that the protection offered to the driver’s head was adequate, while the passenger’s head protection was good. The driver’s and passenger’s necks were good. The driver’s and passenger’s chests showed adequate protection. The driver’s and passenger’s knees showed marginal protection as they can impact with dangerous structures behind the fascia. The driver’s left tibia showed good protection, while the driver’s right tibia and the passenger’s tibias showed adequate protection. The footwell area was rated as unstable. The bodyshell was also rated as unstable and it is not capable of withstanding further loadings.

In the side impact test, the report said that the head showed poor protection, which explains the zero points and zero stars; the chest showed poor protection, the abdomen showed adequate protection and the pelvis showed good protection.

Side pole impact was not performed as the vehicle does not offer standard side head protection. 

Child Occupant Protection
The child seat for a 3-year-old was installed rearward facing using the ISOFIX anchorages and a support leg, and it was not able to prevent the head contact with the interior of the vehicle, while the chest showed low protection in the frontal impact. The child seat for an 18-month-old was installed rearward facing using the ISOFIX anchorages and a support leg, and it was able to contain the head, while the chest showed limited protection.

As for the side impact test, the report said that an 18-month-old dummy showed full protection while a 3-year-old dummy showed an exposed head with head impact resulting in zero points. Download full report here.