Toyota Starlet Earns Four Stars in Latest Global NCAP Crash Test

Toyota Starlet Improves Adult Occupant Protection Rating

The Toyota Starlet has improved its safety performance in the latest Global NCAP crash test results, earning a four-star rating for adult occupant protection and three stars for child occupant protection. The result follows a production update in which the vehicle was upgraded from two front airbags to six airbags as standard, including side curtain airbags. The earlier version tested by Global NCAP in May 2026 received a zero-star rating for adult occupant protection and three stars for child occupant protection. The latest assessment therefore highlights a substantial improvement in adult occupant protection following the equipment and production update.

Six-Airbag Upgrade Changes Crash Test Performance

In May 2026, Global NCAP tested the Toyota Starlet with two airbags as standard and awarded it zero stars for adult occupant protection. The vehicle received three stars for child occupant protection, while its standard safety equipment included two front airbags but no side head protection airbags. Following the earlier assessment, the vehicle was upgraded to six airbags as standard through a production update at the plant in India. The revised configuration includes side curtain airbags, adding protection in crash scenarios where the earlier specification did not provide side head protection.

Global NCAP Identifies Structural and Impact Protection Results

Under the new crash test, the six-airbag Starlet achieved four stars for adult occupant protection while retaining a three-star rating for child occupant protection. The assessment found that the vehicle's footwell was stable, but the bodyshell was unstable and could not handle further impact loads. These findings indicate that the updated airbag configuration improved occupant protection performance, while structural limitations remained an important consideration in the overall crash assessment. The result demonstrates that safety equipment upgrades can materially affect occupant protection outcomes, although the structural behavior of the vehicle continues to influence its performance in demanding crash conditions.

Side Impact Testing Shows Mostly Good Protection

In the side impact test, the Starlet provided mostly good protection for the head and body, while chest protection was rated as adequate. The side pole test produced good protection ratings for the head, abdomen, and pelvis, while chest protection was rated as marginal. These results show that the upgraded six-airbag configuration, including side curtain airbags, provided stronger protection across several areas of the occupant compartment. However, the marginal chest protection recorded during the side pole assessment and the unstable bodyshell identified during the frontal assessment remain notable aspects of the latest crash test results.

Latest Starlet Result Highlights Safety Upgrade Impact

The latest Global NCAP assessment represents a significant change from the earlier zero-star adult occupant protection result recorded in May 2026. The move to six airbags as standard, including side curtain airbags, coincided with the Starlet achieving four stars for adult occupant protection in the updated crash test. The child occupant protection rating remained at three stars. While the latest result indicates improved occupant protection, the findings on bodyshell stability and marginal chest protection in the side pole test show that the vehicle's overall crash performance still has areas requiring attention. The results form part of the broader SaferCarsForAfrica crash testing program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What safety rating did the Toyota Starlet receive in the latest Global NCAP crash test?
The Toyota Starlet received four stars for adult occupant protection and three stars for child occupant protection in the latest Global NCAP crash test. The improved adult protection result followed a production update that increased standard airbags from two to six, including side curtain airbags. Global NCAP also found the footwell stable, although the bodyshell was unstable and unable to handle further impact loads. Side impact protection was mostly good, while side pole testing showed good head, abdomen, and pelvis protection but marginal chest protection.