SA’s Toyota Starlet Scores Zero Stars in crash test - The AA tells us how and why

In this hard-hitting podcast, Cars.co.za sits down with Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of AA South Africa, to unpack the 0-star crash test results of the local Toyota Starlet under the AA's Safer Cars for Africa programme. The cars in this programme are bought in South Africa, shipped to Germany and then crashed at the Global NCAP facility. Why did one of South Africa’s best-selling budget cars score zero stars? Only 2 airbags, weak structure, and possiblt manufacturers cutting corners – we break it all down. We cover Toyota SA's response, the difference between passive & active safety, and what this means for every South African driver and passenger. Plus: the AA has already bought the new 6-airbag Starlet – retest coming July/August 2026. Will it's results improve. Support safer cars: Visit https://www.aa.co.za/safer-cars-for-africa Drop your thoughts below – should 6 airbags be the legal minimum in SA? 👍 Like if you want safer cars on our roads 🔔 Subscribe for more honest car reviews & podcasts 📍 Cars.co.za – South Africa’s biggest motoring channel 00:00 - Intro: Safer Cars for Africa Explained 01:30 - Toyota Starlet's 0-Star Crash Test 03:15 - Toyota's Cease & Desist Letter 05:00 - South African Safety Laws vs. Global Standards 07:45 - Manufacturing Choices: Cost vs. Safety 10:30 - Why Africa Doesn't Have an NCAP Facility 13:15 - Upcoming Retest & Final Thoughts Visit Cars.co.za at: https://www.cars.co.za Sell your car on Cars.co.za: https://www.cars.co.za/sell-car/ Follow Cars.co.za on the socials: https://www.twitter.com/CarsSouthAfrica https://www.facebook.com/CarsSA https://www.instagram.com/CarsSouthAfrica https://www.tiktok.com/@carssouthafrica Download the Cars.co.za App here: Apple https://apps.apple.com/za/app/cars-co-za/id626789511 Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mushroomcloud.cars&hl=en_ZA&gl=US Huawei App Gallery https://appgallery.huawei.com/#/app/C100880073