Explained: The 'Notch' Daihatsu Added To Rig Crash Test Results

Daihatsu Motor Co. has admitted to 'rigging' side-impact crash tests as pictured for four export models including the Axia and Vios,

By now, we’re sure you’re up to speed with our initial report about Daihatsu Motor Co. admitting that it ‘rigged’ crash testing efforts involving four export models, with the DNGA-based Perodua Axia and latest AC100-gen Toyota Vios being two of which.

To garner favourable results, the Toyota affiliate apparently crash-tested cars primed with a specific part that’s not present in production-bound versions. Said part happens to be an inner lining that’s fitted into the door frame which features a ‘notch’ in its design.

The 'notch' highlighted in the bottom right image is designed to reduce risk of injury or death as it prevents sharp cuts from forming when the side airbag is deployed.

As detailed by the image above, the notch’s design prevents sharp cuts being formed on the inner door panel when the side airbag is deployed in the event of a side impact. As reported prior, this improved part design, which can further reduce risk of injuries and or death, isn’t present on production-bound cars.

Thanks to an unnamed whistle blower, top management from both Daihatsu and Toyota were alerted, and both firms have committed to rectify the situation starting with a thorough internal investigation first. At the same time, shipments of this notch-less inner door panel has been suspended.

The number of Perodua Axia, Toyota Agya, and Toyota Vios (Yaris Ativ) affected from this latest revelation.

The 'notch-less' door linings in the Vios (left) and Axia (right) might get addressed through a recall effort.

Presumably, both Daihatsu and parent Toyota, as well as Perodua, will likely set out to rectify this issue in the near future through a recall effort. Perhaps the offending component will be replaced through such an exercise, more so given the next fact.

Given these finding, there could be legal implications as compliance with UNECE R95 is core requirement to obtain Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) – homologation paperwork needed before the first unit of any new car can be registered.

Up to 11,834 units of the Perodua Axia are affected by this revelation, and it could lose its 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating unless re-tested.

Moreover, this could also see the Perodua Axia losing its 4-star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating unless re-tested. Up to 11,834 units of the Perodua-made model, which underpins the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, will likely be affected with a potential recall stemming from this.

Sold in more markets, a grater number of Toyota Vios (Yaris Ativ) are affected - some 76,286 units.

Though it has no ASEAN NCAP score to defend, some 76,286 units of the new AC100-gen Toyota Vios sold by Toyota in Malaysia, Thailand, as well as several other markets worldwide, will also undergo a similar rectification effort.

For now, it seems just the Perodua Axia, its Toyota Agya twin, as well as the AC100-gen Toyota Vios (Yaris Ativ) are affected from this latest crash test rigging scandal. As for other DNGA-based products such as the Perodua Alza and Ativa, as well as the Toyota Veloz, these remain unaffected.