One of SA’s most popular bakkies fails crash test

Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP) has released footage of a new crash test. Two Nissans, the NP300 Hardbody build in South Africa and the Navara build in Europe, were crashed into each other. The shocking results really show how car manufacturers do not keep the same safety standards in the African market.

Nissan Hardbody fails test — The moment of impact between the Nissan Hardbody (left) and Nissan Navara (right).

The Nissan Hardbody is a very popular car throughout Africa and it’s sold as a robust, strong and safe car. The particular car in this test is a brand new and built in South Africa, 2019. On the other side of the test is a second hand Navara 2015. Driving at 56 km/h, both cars collided head-on leaving results that would make bakkie owners in South Africa concerned.

You can probably guess which car crumpled on impact. The Hardbody seems to be in title only as the body shell gave in. A driver in this position would suffer potentially fatal wounds and it would be difficult for rescue teams to get to the people inside. The Navara on the other end held up and kept the dummy safe, so a driver in that vehicle could probably walk away from an accident like this.

You can watch the video footage here: Youtube

“This is a very dramatic car to car crash test which uniquely illustrates the double standard in vehicle safety performance between models sold in Europe and those sold in Africa.” – David Ward CEO and President of Global NCAP

After this test, the Global NCAP suggest buying second hand from overseas manufacturers over buying brand new local vehicles.

Source: AA | CARmag | The South African

Stuart Smith

A copy and content writer at Web2Web with a passion for sharing engaging content. He loves his old Toyota Corolla and talking about new cars, particularly about the technology that changes the way they are designed.