CompareGuru Financial Services is an authorised financial services provider FSP. 47696
The AA has released the 2017 ‘Safest Entry-Level Vehicles in SA’ . We breakdown all the info and find out that cheap isn’t always safe!
With South Africa's current financial state the way it is, many opt for the cheapest option. But when it comes to motor vehicles, is this the safest?
The Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA) has just released their 2017 "entry-level vehicle" safety report.
The report compares entry-level vehicle models to the current safety standards in South Africa.
We take a look at the findings and expose the truth about entry-level vehicles in South Africa.
The Nissan Micra 1.2 Visia+ (audio) comes closely behind in second place.
The following vehicles have tied for the title of 'Most dangerous Entry-Level Car In SA':
Worried that you might lose your car in an accident? Make sure you have the proper cover today!
Highlights Of The Report
According to the AASA's report, the entry-level motor vehicle still remains the most popular vehicle choice among consumers. Although the cheapest vehicles might be the most affordable and perfect for nipping around the city, many may be deathtraps. The AASA released the first "entry-level vehicle safety report" last year, and the similar, if not the same, models are still listed as being unsafe. Even though the safety rating of these vehicles were highlighted, not much has changed. Many vehicle manufacturers refuse to change the safety features of their vehicles, as this is too expensive. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation's 2016 Traffic report, motor vehicle crashes have cost the government a whopping R142 billion annually. This equates to 3.4% of South Africa's total Gross Domestic Profit. Last year's report considered R150 000 to be the maximum value for entry-level vehicles in South Africa. This number has increased to R160 000 this year.Active Vs Passive Safety Features
The report analysed the various safety features found in the vehicles that qualify as entry-level. In November 2014, it became mandatory for all European Union vehicles to come standard with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). This is not compulsory in South Africa and this could be the reason for a high number of accidents. The AASA say that vehicles should come with, both active and passive safety features. Here is a breakdown of the difference between the two:Active Safety Features
According to the AASA's report, "Active safety features refers to devices and systems that assist in keeping a motor vehicle under control and possibly prevent a crash from occurring." The RTMC's report highlights that last year, 77.5% of fatal crashes were as a result of human error. The anti-lock braking system as well as electronic stability control are both classified as active safety features.- ABS brakes ensure that the wheels don't lock if a vehicle is travelling at high speed and needs to brake. This allows the driver to still be able to control the vehicle while braking, instead of it losing complete control;
- ESC "Works by detecting if the steering inputs of the driver are inconsistent with the vehicles direction of travel, and then applies the appropriate brakes to prevent the wheels from slipping, keeping the vehicle under control and on the road in hazardous conditions. "
Passive Safety Features
These features are designed to protect the driver from injury in the event of an accident. The report focuses on the secondary restraint system (SRS), mainly being airbags, that provide a cushion upon impact.Ratings And Prices
The Euro NCap safety test is the template that the AASA has used to determine the safety ratings. This is a point system that each vehicle is marked on and their safety ratings is then determined by the number of points the vehicle obtains. The following table shows the motor vehicles that are considered "entry-level", as well as their prices.| Brand And Model | Price |
| Chery QQ3 0.8 TE (aircon) | R99 995 |
| Datsun Go 1.2 Mid | R106 900 |
| Chery QQ3 1.1 TXE | R114,995 |
| Tata Indica 1.4 LGi | R118,995 |
| Renault Kwid 1.0 Expression | R124,900 |
| Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GA | R133,900 |
| Kia Picanto 1.0 Start | R134,995 |
| Tata Vista 1.4 Ini Bounce | R134,995 |
| Datsun Go+ 1.2 Lux | R139,900 |
| Chevrolet Spark 1.2 Curve | R140,700 |
| Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2 GL | R149,900 |
| BAIC D20 hatch 1.3 Comfort | R149,990 |
| Chery J2 1.5 TX | R149,995 |
| Kia Picanto 1.0 Street | R149,995 |
| Kia Picanto 1.2 Start | R150,995 |
| Hyundai i10 1.1 Motion | R154,900 |
| Suzuki Swift hatch 1.2 GA | R154,900 |
| Mahindra KUV100 1.2 G80 K4+ | R154,995 |
| Tata Vista 1.4 Ignis | R154,995 |
| Suzuki Swift DZire sedan 1.2 GA | R155,900 |
| Honda Brio hatch 1.2 Trend | R156,100 |
| Tata Manza 1.4 Ini | R156,995 |
| Tata Bolt hatch 1.2T XMS | R157,995 |
| Toyota Aygo 1.0 | R159,100 |
| Nissan Micra 1.2 Visia+ (audio) | R159,900 |
Read More about the Datsun Go being illegal all over the world!
Safety Scoring
In this research, the AASA has used a point-based system, where active features are given more points (30 points). Below is a table showing the points system and what each feature has been scored:| Active Safety Features | Number Of Points |
| Anti-lock Brakes | 30 points |
| Electronic Stability Control | 3 points |
| Passive Safety Features | Number Of Points |
| Driver's Airbag | 10 points |
| Front Passenger Airbag | 10 points |
| Side Airbags | 10 points |
| Head/ curtain Airbags | 20 points |
| Crash test rating - Frontal Impact (five points awarded per star) | 25 points |
| Total Points Achievable | 135 |
And The Safest Car Is...
According to the AASA's report,with 60 points, the Toyota Aygo 1.0 has been named as the safest entry-level motor vehicle in South Africa.
The Nissan Micra 1.2 Visia+ (audio) comes closely behind in second place.
The following vehicles have tied for the title of 'Most dangerous Entry-Level Car In SA':
- Tata Vista 1.4 Ini Bounce;
- Chery QQ3 0.8 TE (aircon);
- Tata Indica 1.4 LGi;
- Datsun Go 1.2 Mid;
- Tata Manza 1.4 Ini.