Driver’s seat headrest issue spurs recall for new H7.

ACING the national crash test safety has been achieved by two Chinese makes - but one product has been recalled as result of an observed anomaly

The Australasian New Car Assessment Programme has determined its maximum score, five stars, should go to two products from MG, the Seven sedan the ZS medium crossover, and another from GWM, the Haval H7 (above).

The score for the ZS is an amendment; in 2024 it received four stars, but upgrades now with MG’s reaction the initial result being to upgrade the car to include a centre airbag, for front seat occupants.

ANCAP was pleased with the MG 7’s safety suite. It noted the car (below) is equipped with a comprehensive range of standard active safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist detection, lane keep assist with emergency intervention, intelligent speed assistance and a driver monitoring system, supporting protection for occupants and other road users in a wide range of driving scenarios.

It said the revised rating for the NZ applies to vehicles built from December 4 this year; so effectively all stock here now is still considered four star fare. Adding the centre airbag helps minimise occupant injury in far-side impact crashes, ANCAP says.

“This positive specification change sees the Adult Occupant Protection score for updated MG ZS vehicles rise to 81 percent, elevating their safety rating to five-stars.

“ANCAP encourages safety improvements from all manufacturers as part of their ongoing design updates, and MG should be commended for proactively making improvements to the ZS,” ANCAP boss Carla Hoorweg said.

Haval H7 demonstrated sound performance across the Melbourne-based assessor’s crash protection and crash avoidance assessments.

It provided stable occupant protection in frontal and side impact scenarios, with good protection recorded for most critical body regions for front seat occupants, and strong results in side impact testing. Performance across Child Occupant Protection and Safety Assist assessment areas was also consistent with five-star requirements.

During the full width frontal crash test an anomaly was observed involving the dislodgement of the driver’s head restraint from the seat back.

ANCAP says GWM has initiated a voluntary safety recall in response to ANCAP’s identification of this issue, which is applicable to all Haval H7 vehicles sold in Australia.

Hoorweg said the identification of this issue warranted close scrutiny.

“Ensuring the integrity and performance of fundamental restraint systems is central to ANCAP’s mission. Where our testing reveals unexpected results we work with the vehicle manufacturer to ensure the best safety outcomes for existing and future owners.

“GWM has done the right thing and initiated a voluntary recall on affected vehicles. We encourage all existing Haval H7 owners to visit their local dealership and have the recall action completed.”

The ANCAP safety rating for the Haval H7 applies only to vehicles built from October 15. For vehicles built prior to this date the rating will only apply where the recall action has been completed.