Latin NCAP, the new car assessment programme for Latin America and the Caribbean, has released the results of its crash tests of the Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner and Nissan Navara.
Of course, it’s worth noting the vehicles evaluated here differ in specification from the equivalent models offered in South Africa. Still, the results are interesting, particularly considering how seldom bakkies undergo safety tests.
So, how did the vehicles fare? Well, the Toyota Hilux double-cab bakkie and Fortuner SUV (known in some markets as the SW4) both scored five stars for safety, in term of both adult and child occupant ratings. For the record, the models offered in Latin America are equipped with electronic stability control and seven airbags as standard.
In South Africa, all locally built 2,8-litre Hilux double-cab models (as well as the single 4,0-litre V6 derivative) also ship standard with seven airbags each (along with the likes of ABS with EBD, brake assist, traction control and stability control), as do all Fortuner derivatives.
“These results are absolutely amazing and great progress. The renewed result of the Hilux double cab and [Fortuner] shows Toyota’s commitment to five stars protection, which should followed by all other car manufacturers in Latin America,” said Alejandro Furas, secretary general of Latin NCAP.
And what about the Nissan Navara? Well, this bakkie settled for four stars, with just two airbags fitted as standard (note that SA-spec models feature seven airbags), along with stability control. Interestingly, Latin NCAP rated the Navara’s body structure as “borderline unstable”.
Watch the crash tests below (the two Toyota models in the first video and the Nissan in the second clip)…
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