Toyota Yaris Rated Four Stars At Latin NCAP—Another Senate Approval

The Toyota Yaris was awarded 4-star safety rating by the Latin NCAP. The Yaris that was tested was a Brazil-spec model and has fewer safety features than the Yaris sold in the Indian market. The Brazilian specific model features dual airbags and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard in comparison to the India specific model that features seven airbags and ABS as a standard.

The structure of the Toyota Yaris was considered unstable. The driver and co-passenger's knees showed marginal protection because of dangerous structures behind the dashboard. The driver's chest had marginal protection while the passenger's chest had good protection. However, it was excellent frontal and side impact protection that helped the Yaris achieve a 4-star rating. The Yaris was also awarded 4-stars for the child occupant test. This is according to global standards. Lack of ISOFIX anchors and a missing passenger airbag deactivation switch were key factors for the Yaris losing a star in the child occupant safety test.

Alejandro Furas, the Secretary General of Latin NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme), said, "Toyota's decision to be the first car maker in the region to recommend rearward facing for the 3 year old child occupant, since 2015 in most of Latin NCAP tests, shows the relevance that the manufacturer gives to child occupant protection. At the same time, it sets a beacon for other car makers to follow in terms of children's safety."

Indian law states that starting October 2019, all cars have to meet crash test and safety norms set by the government. All cars need to have a driver's airbag, ABS, seatbelt warning alarms, a speed aleart system, and rear parking sensors. These features will have to be standard across all cars in the country. Crash test complaince set by the government is frontal impact protection at 48kmph, off-set frontal impact protection (against a fixed deformable barrier) at 56kmph, and side impact protection (against a fixed deformable barrier) at 50kmph.

What We Think About The Yaris Getting A 4-Star Rating At The Latin NCAP

Congratulations Toyota. Maybe 5-stars next time?