India-Made Toyota Starlet Scores 0 Stars In Global NCAP Crash Test

Toyota South Africa Motors's Toyota Starlet, a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Toyota Glanza, has received a zero-star adult occupant protection rating in the latest Global NCAP crash tests.

The Toyota Starlet is manufactured by Maruti Suzuki at its Gujarat plant and exported to several international markets, including South Africa. The model is part of the strategic partnership between Toyota and Maruti Suzuki, under which both companies share products and technologies across multiple global markets.

Toyota Starlet Scores Zero Stars in Global NCAP

In the Global NCAP crash test, the Starlet scored 0 out of 34 points for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), resulting in a zero-star rating for adult safety. For Child Occupant Protection (COP), the vehicle scored 29.33 out of 49 points, earning a three-star rating.

The tested vehicle was the entry-level variant, equipped with two airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard. However, the model did not offer side head protection airbags, which significantly affected its side-impact performance.

Global NCAP reported that the bodyshell was unstable and the footwell area offered poor structural integrity. According to the assessment, the structure may not be capable of withstanding higher crash loads effectively. While protection for the driver's head and chest was rated as adequate, protection for the knees and lower legs was less satisfactory.

Side-impact protection was another major concern, contributing heavily to the vehicle's zero-star adult safety rating. The Toyota Starlet remains one of Toyota's best-selling entry-level vehicles in African markets, valued for its practicality, fuel efficiency and affordability.

In response to the test results, Toyota has stated that the South African-market Starlet will be updated with additional standard safety equipment, including more airbags. This is not the first time a made in India car performing poorly in international safety tests.

Earlier, Made in India Maruti Suzuki Fronx scored only 1 star at the ANCAP (Australian New Car Assessment Program) after a failed rear seat belt retractor. Similarly, the Hyundai i10 Nios for the african market also scored o stars at the Global NCAP safety test.