Hyundai SA Defends Grand i10 Safety After Zero-Star NCAP Rating

Hyundai Automotive South Africa has defended the safety credentials of the Grand i10 after the model received a zero-star adult occupant rating and three stars for child occupant protection in a recent Global New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) test.

NRCS compliance requirements

In response, the company said the Grand i10 complies fully with South Africa’s legal safety and homologation requirements as set by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS).

Under South African regulations, every vehicle must satisfy 53 NRCS compliance requirements before it can be approved for use on local roads. These standards cover a wide range of safety and performance measures, including braking capability, frontal impact protection, door latch strength, child restraint anchorage systems, and airbags.

Hyundai said the Grand i10 meets all 53 of these requirements.

Hyundai statement on regulatory standards

“The Hyundai Grand i10 has been engineered to meet all South African road and safety requirements, and the NRCS confirmation provides credible assurance to our customers and stakeholders that these standards have been independently verified,” said Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

He noted that while independent assessments such as NCAP offer useful insight, they are designed as reference tools and do not replace South Africa’s formal regulatory framework. “While additional independent assessments and ratings, such as NCAP, are useful reference points, they continue to evolve and do not replace or override South Africa’s established regulatory standards,” Anderson said.

Anderson added that Hyundai Automotive South Africa will continue working with regulators and industry bodies to ensure its vehicles meet the expectations of local motorists. He said the company is also collaborating with its global original equipment manufacturer to respond to rising safety requirements in the market.