This August, South Africa will witness an unprecedented automotive safety milestone as Chery undertakes the continent’s first real-world dual-vehicle collision test. Two identical Tiggo 9 SUVs, engineered to global five-star safety standards, will collide in a 50% offset head-on impact at 50 km/h—a scenario designed to mirror one of the country’s most dangerous real-world crash conditions.
More than a demonstration of engineering excellence, this Africa-first trial is a bold statement of Chery’s safety philosophy: progress is achieved by pushing boundaries. The collision test forms a key part of Chery’s 2025 Global Safety Challenges, a comprehensive initiative that subjects vehicles to extreme conditions—from freezing temperatures to rough terrain—while evaluating the resilience and reliability of Chery’s cutting-edge technologies.
Addressing a Pressing Road Safety Challenge
South Africa faces unique road safety challenges. Head-on collisions occur more frequently and carry a higher fatality risk than the global average. Research from Kantar underscores that safety is no longer optional for South African car buyers—it is often the deciding factor in purchase decisions. Against this backdrop, Chery has meticulously designed the Tiggo 9 collision test to replicate a high-risk scenario: a 50% offset impact on a long, straight paved road, replicating real-world conditions with precision.
When the two Tiggo 9 SUVs collide at 50 km/h, the evaluation will cover every dimension of occupant protection and structural integrity. Engineers will assess body structure performance, restraint system responsiveness, airbag coordination—including the segment’s only standard far-side airbag—passenger compartment stability, fuel system sealing, and post-crash rescue accessibility. By simulating real-world accident conditions, the test provides the most authentic assessment of the Tiggo 9’s safety credentials.
Engineering Safety Without Compromise
Since its global unveiling at the Burj Khalifa in December 2024, the Tiggo 9 has earned acclaim across the Middle East and Latin America. As Chery’s flagship SUV, it embodies the brand’s belief that true luxury is measured not only in comfort or style, but in safety.
The Tiggo 9 is built with 85% high-strength steel and 21% hot-formed steel, forming an uncompromising protective structure. Passive safety is further enhanced by a dual-impact-beam design, an industry-leading 2,060 mm side curtain airbag, and the aforementioned far-side airbag, which together create a comprehensive occupant protection system.
Active safety is equally robust, with 19 advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) working to prevent collisions before they occur. Prior to the South African test, the Tiggo 9 successfully completed Chery’s rigorous in-house crash tests, including a 100% full-frontal rigid barrier test and a 32 km/h side pole impact trial. High-voltage system cut-off, airbag deployment timing, and post-crash accessibility have all been meticulously evaluated, cementing safety as a cornerstone of the driving experience.
Part of a Global Safety Mission
The South African collision trial is a pivotal component of Chery’s 2025 Global Safety Challenges, which spans diverse conditions and terrains worldwide. Previous demonstrations have included a 53+ hour battery seawater immersion test in Indonesia and a battery scraping endurance challenge in Mexico. By selecting South Africa for this extreme real-world collision scenario, Chery underscores its commitment to consistent safety and quality standards across all markets.
“South Africa’s high rate of serious road accidents calls for solutions that go beyond the ordinary,” said Verene Petersen, National Brand and Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa. “By replicating one of the country’s most dangerous crash scenarios, we’re not only putting the Tiggo 9’s safety systems to the test, but also demonstrating how advanced engineering can play a role in reducing the impact of real-world collisions.”
Pushing the Boundaries of Automotive Safety
The upcoming dual-vehicle collision in South Africa represents more than a test—it is a statement. It signals Chery’s unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, and the real-world protection of its customers. For the Tiggo 9, safety is not just a feature; it is a philosophy, meticulously engineered and globally verified, that continues to redefine what drivers can expect from modern SUVs.
As the vehicles prepare to meet in a controlled head-on impact, South African motorists and industry observers will witness firsthand the tangible results of Chery’s dedication to protecting lives on the road. With the Tiggo 9, Chery is proving that the ultimate luxury lies not only in performance or design, but in safety that is uncompromising and globally consistent.
