Chinese automaker Chery is facing renewed questions about vehicle safety after its Tiggo 2 compact SUV received a zero-star rating in the latest Latin NCAP crash tests. The assessment found an unstable body structure and footwell during frontal impact, poor protection for the driver’s chest and a fire risk that contributed to the vehicle scoring zero for adult occupant protection.

The results also gave the Tiggo 2 zero points for child occupant protection. The SUV, sold in different markets as the Tiggo 2 Pro, Tiggo 2 Pro Max and Chirey Tiggo 2, comes with four airbags and electronic stability control as standard. 

It nevertheless achieved just 48.89 percent for pedestrian protection and 45.45 percent for safety assistance systems. The result adds to scrutiny of Chery’s quality controls as the company expands its presence in overseas markets, including Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Latin NCAP evaluated the Tiggo 2 through frontal and side-impact tests, whiplash assessments, pedestrian protection tests and evaluations of its electronic stability control and emergency maneuvering performance.

During the frontal impact, the vehicle’s body structure and footwell area were both rated as unstable. The driver’s chest showed poor protection, with high compression recorded during the collision. Latin NCAP also identified a fire risk during the test, which contributed to the zero-point result for adult occupant protection.

The absence of standard side head-protection airbags meant the vehicle was not subjected to the side pole impact test, resulting in an additional penalty. The assessment also found that the rear seats lacked seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, while the vehicle could not demonstrate adequate protection for a smaller adult passenger in the second row.

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