Global NCAP has released crash-test results for SA-spec entry-level versions of the Kia Sonet and Haval Jolion, saying these popular models have “fallen short” on safety…
- Sonet handed 1 star while Jolion manages 2 stars
- Results “driven largely” by lack of curtain airbags
- Both automakers respond to Global NCAP results
Global NCAP says its recently released crash-test results for the entry-level versions of the Kia Sonet and the GWM Haval Jolion sold in South Africa show that these popular crossovers “fall short” on safety.
In collaboration with the Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa, the organisation handed the Indian-built Sonet just 1 star for adult-occupant protection and the Chinese-made Jolion only 2 stars in the same category. Both models were awarded 3 stars for child-occupant protection.
Global NCAP typically tests entry-level derivatives – in this case, the Sonet LS (with 2 airbags) and the Jolion City (with 4 airbags), each of which features electronic stability control as standard. The AA said both “demonstrated serious gaps in the safety protection offered to occupants, driven largely by a lack of standard side head-protection airbags [curtain airbags]”.
According to the crash-test report for the Sonet, this model’s footwell area and bodyshell “were unstable and not capable of withstanding further loadings”. In the side-impact test, “poor chest protection limited the adult protection rating to 1 star, while abdomen protection was rated as adequate”.
Meanwhile, Global NCAP said the Jolion provided “good protection to the head, neck and chest” in the frontal impact, though knee protection “was marginal”. The side movable-barrier test showed “good protection”, while (as with the Sonet) the side pole test was not conducted because side head-protection airbags were not fitted as standard.
For the record, while Kia’s LS, LX and EX grades for the Sonet each feature only 2 airbags, the EX+ and SX trim levels come with 6 airbags (including curtain items). It’s a similar case with the Jolion line-up, where the City Plus and Jolion Pro Premium – like the tested City – feature 4 airbags, and all derivatives above that gaining curtain airbags.
“It is unacceptable that global manufacturers continue to sell cars in Africa with safety standards they would never offer in markets like Europe. The Kia Sonet’s 1-star result and the GWM Haval Jolion’s 2-star result show how far the industry still has to go. Side head-protection airbags should be standard on every new car, in every market. African motorists deserve the same life-saving protection as drivers in the rest of the world,” said Richard Woods, CEO of Global NCAP.
Kia and GWM respond to Global NCAP results
Kia South Africa has since released a statement saying its Sonet range “meets all applicable South African legislative safety requirements as stipulated by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS)”. It added that it welcomed “independent assessment as a mechanism for accountability and continuous improvement across the industry”.
The South Korean brand’s local division also pointed out it planned to introduce a new Sonet LS+ derivative to the local line-up in the 3rd quarter of 2026, confirming this variant would offer 6 airbags as standard.
Meanwhile, GWM South Africa said that as part of its “ongoing product enhancement strategy”, it was “working to align the safety specifications” of entry-level models “more closely” with those of higher-grade variants. It confirmed that “future” Jolion City and Jolion Pro Premium derivatives would be equipped with curtain airbags as standard.
Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of the AA, suggested South African motorists “exercise extreme caution when purchasing a new or used entry-level vehicle, as the recent series of crash tests has shown a worrying trend with entry-level models on sale in South Africa lacking adequate crash safety and, perhaps more worryingly, very few of the vehicles tested offering safety ratings similar to those of the same models on sale abroad”.
“The tests also show the significant difference that basic safety features such as side-impact airbags and electronic stability control can make. These features offer a major safety boost to any vehicle and, in most cases, can be added with only a marginal increase in vehicle price,” Ramagwede added.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What were the specific Global NCAP crash-test scores for the SA-spec Kia Sonet and Haval Jolion?
A: In the recent safety assessments conducted in collaboration with the AA of South Africa, the entry-level Kia Sonet LS received a 1-star rating for adult-occupant protection. The entry-level GWM Haval Jolion City performed slightly better, securing a 2-star rating for adult protection. Both compact crossovers achieved a 3-star rating for child-occupant protection.
Q: Why did these entry-level variants score poorly in the adult protection category?
A: The low scores were driven primarily by the absence of standard side head-protection (curtain) airbags, preventing Global NCAP from conducting the critical side-pole impact test. Additionally, the Kia Sonet’s structural integrity raised concerns, with its footwell and overall bodyshell rated as unstable and unable to withstand further structural loads. It also demonstrated poor chest protection during side-impact evaluations.
Q: How have Kia South Africa and GWM South Africa responded to these critical safety findings?
A: Both automotive brands committed to specification upgrades. Kia SA announced plans to introduce a new Sonet LS+ derivative in Q3 2026 featuring 6 airbags as standard. Similarly, GWM SA confirmed that future production cycles of the Jolion City and Jolion Pro Premium will be upgraded to include curtain airbags across the board.
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