Rant about how many entry/mid level hatchbacks don't have 6 airbags + ESC.

[neoprema]

This is a common tactic in ZA, We work very hard at being able to add on taxes and nonsense but any old rubbish can come in.

i remember buying a Hyundai Accent in 2009. it came with NO airbags. I was browsing international websites and found the same car with 2 airbags standard, or 6 airbags optional.
I asked my local dealership why my car had none and they said its not required for our market so they remove them to bring the cost down...

 

[UrBaN963]

Lol.

Correct, low Ito it's placement relative to all other rivals.

So I actually like that. I doesn't look like it was added as an afterthought and partially obscure your view.

 

[TheChamp]

The priority for SA market is affordability, not keeping up with 1st world standards.

Unless it's legislated or the average spending power increases dramatically it'll always lag far behind.

i.e. The bet is that by using a 1/3 as many airbags they gain more potential customers on the $$$ than they lose that are upset by subpar safety (i.e. you). There are a lot of poor people in SA so each rand shaved off is potentially a lot of customers

Another problem is that customers don't care about doing their research on cars before buying, some of those two airbag and dodgy safety spec cars are not exactly entry level cars.