Choosing the affordable model should still mean taking safety seriously. That is at the heart of the Automobile Association’s support for proposed changes to South Africa’s minimum vehicle safety standards.

Speaking on The Money Show, AA CEO Bobby Ramagwede said the organisation had campaigned for almost a decade for stronger protection. He highlighted the importance of including entry-level vehicles so that improvements reach buyers with smaller budgets. 

The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) has proposed amendments to VC 8022, the compulsory specification governing passenger vehicles. The changes concern new vehicles entering the South African market.

More protection for passengers

In its explanation reported by Engineering News, the NRCS outlined proposals for:

• At least four airbags, providing protection for front and rear occupants.
• Compulsory side-impact protection, alongside requirements addressing steering and rear impacts.
• Updated requirements for newer technology, including electric and hybrid vehicles, driver-assistance systems and cybersecurity.

The changes remain proposals, with implementation arrangements subject to finalisation. They should not be treated as requirements already in force.

The same car name can mean different safety results

The AA’s published 2026 crash-test results offer a useful example of why the exact version matters.

The outgoing Toyota Starlet received a zero-star rating, while a six-airbag version achieved four stars. A buyer searching only for “Toyota Starlet safety rating” could therefore find very different answers. 

Check which version was tested and whether its equipment matches the vehicle on the showroom floor. A familiar badge or model name is only the starting point.

The NRCS also distinguishes compulsory standards from independent vehicle ratings. Legal requirements establish a minimum; assessment programmes consider broader safety criteria.

Will safer cars cost more?

Ramagwede argued that manufacturers should not automatically pass the cost of additional safety equipment on to buyers, suggesting existing margins could absorb some changes.

That is the AA’s position, rather than a guarantee about future showroom prices. 

What to check before buying

Ask for the safety specification sheet for the exact model and trim level you are considering.

• Airbags: Check their number and positions, including protection for rear passengers.
• Electronic stability control: Ask whether it is included as standard.
• Tested version: Match any advertised crash rating to the vehicle’s specification.
• Included equipment: Get clarity on which features come with the quoted price and which require a more expensive model.

For a starting point:

• Compare published tests: AA vehicle safety results.

The Bottom Line

Ask for the safety equipment list alongside the finance quote. It gives you another concrete way to compare cars within your budget while the proposed standards move towards finalisation.