Blow to Toyota: Latin NCAP Awards Only Two Stars to Yaris Models, While VW Tiguan and Kia EV4 Achieve Five

The report highlighted the disappointing two stars for the Toyota Yaris Cross and the Toyota Yaris Sedan/Hatchback, while the new Volkswagen Tiguan and the Kia EV4 achieved the maximum five-star rating.

The new Volkswagen Tiguan, produced in Mexico, achieved five stars following a voluntary manufacturer assessment. The model offers six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and standard ADAS technologies. For example, it includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Support System (LSS), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD). However, the car showed an unstable structure in the footwell area during the frontal test, although its restraint systems compensated for this result. Latin NCAP recommends improving the structural performance and airbag deployment.

Similarly, the all-electric Kia EV4, manufactured in South Korea, also earned five stars through a voluntary evaluation. The EV4 is the second Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) to achieve five stars in Latin NCAP. This electric vehicle features six airbags, ESC, and standard ADAS technologies, such as AEB and LSS. The high score in active safety was key to the five-star outcome. The EV4 showed a stable structure in the frontal crash, yet the footwell area proved unstable. Additionally, the side pole impact showed weak protection for the passenger’s chest.

Yaris Disappointments: Two Stars for Cross and Sedan/Hatchback

Unfortunately, the Toyota Yaris Cross and Yaris Sedan/Hatchback models only achieved two stars. The Yaris Cross, produced in Indonesia and Brazil, offers six airbags and standard ESC. Nevertheless, the driver’s chest showed marginal protection in the impact tests. The low score in Child Occupant Protection is mainly due to the lack of a switch to deactivate the passenger airbag when installing a rearward-facing Child Restraint System (CRS). Ultimately, the inability to earn points for AEB and the lack of Speed Assistance explain the overall poor result.

In addition, the Yaris Sedan and Hatchback models (Thailand and Brazil) also achieved two stars, despite offering at least six airbags and standard ESC. In testing, the car presented an unstable structure and footwell area in the frontal impact. Furthermore, the driver’s chest showed marginal protection. Just like the Yaris Cross, the low child safety score is explained by the missing switch to deactivate the passenger airbag. The lack of Speed Assistance and the inability to score points for AEB resulted in the two-star rating.

Strong Criticism from Latin NCAP Management

Latin NCAP’s executives were forceful in criticizing Toyota’s performance in this round. Alejandro Furas, Secretary General of Latin NCAP, stated: “Toyota surprised with a very poor performance in many aspects”. Furas added that, unlike competitors like Renault with the Kardian and Volkswagen with the Tera, Toyota does not appear to prioritize safety in Latin America and the Caribbean as expected.

Therefore, Stephan Brodziak, President of the Board of Directors, reinforced the criticism. Brodziak pointed out: “The two-star ratings for the Yaris Cross and the Yaris Sedan/Hatchback deepen this deterioration and show that Toyota is not responding to the protection needs demanded by the region”. Consequently, Latin NCAP demands immediate course correction from Toyota.