Chery Transcab, Suzuki Carry LCVs Flunk Safety Tests

Crash tests on the Chery Transcab and Suzuki Carry, two light-commercial vehicles offered in several countries in Southeast Asia, result in both being given zero stars.

The Malaysia-based New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) assessed both models under a new protocol for 2017-2020 using a single rating system.

This consists of adult-occupant protection (AOP) at 50% weightage, child-occupant protection (COP) at 25% and safety-assist technologies (SAT) at 25%.

The Chery Transcab was awarded no stars with an overall score of 17.04 points. The model obtained points only for its side-impact assessment under the AOP category. COP was not tested because the vehicle has only a single cab with no rear passenger compartment. The Transcab also had no SATs and received no points in this category.

The Suzuki Carry scored 17.14 points overall, which also left it with a zero-star rating. It only received points for its frontal offset test. There was no assessment performed for COP as the model has no rear passenger compartment. The model also scored no points in the SATs category.

The Perodua Myvi’s test was the third ASEAN NCAP assessment for the model, which the safety-testing group says has shown significant improvements in each iteration. The Myvi first was tested in 2013 and received three stars for both AOP and COP. In 2014 the result improved to four stars.

Under the new ASEAN NCAP protocol, the all-new Myvi achieved a five-star rating with an overall score of 88.27 points. It received 45.43 points for AOP, 22.01 for COP and 20.83 for SATs.

The Toyota Vios was the first ASEAN NCAP official test performed in 2012 and received four stars for AOP and two stars for COP.

This time around, the Vios received five stars with an overall score of 81.63 points. It was given 44.70 points for AOP, 21.66 for COP and 15.28 for SATs. The Vios result also extended to its twin, the Yaris Ativ, developed specifically for the Thai market. Yaris Ativ has comparable occupant protection but comes with a smaller 1.2L engine to comply with Thailand’s eco-car policy.

ASEAN NCAP Chairman Wong Shaw Voon says despite the slow response in the form of voluntary tests by automakers, those who have been assessed by ASEAN NCAP this year have made outstanding improvement in their safety performance.

“We are disappointed knowing that there are still zero-star cars being sold in the market, especially for transporting goods,” he says. “These types of vehicles spent the majority of their time on the road delivering goods hence, exposing the drivers and passengers to risk.”