Ancap: Low Fuel Consumption, 5-star Safety

Low Fuel Consumption, 5-star Safety

17 November 2009

New crash test results released today by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority and NRMA Motoring & Services show that low fuel consumption cars can also achieve the highest safety ratings.

The Mini Cooper diesel hatch, Ford Fiesta ECOnetic diesel hatch, Volvo C30 diesel hatch and Toyota Prius have achieved a 5-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Other ANCAP results show the recently released Subaru Liberty Exiga and the upgraded 4-cylinder Hyundai Santa Fe also achieved 5-star ANCAP ratings. The Honda City sedan achieved a 4-star rating.

NRMA vehicle safety expert Jack Haley said the results show that manufacturers can make low fuel consumption vehicles without compromising on safety.

"Subaru continues to achieve 5-star ANCAP results across its range and the 4- cylinder Hyundai Santa Fe has improved its safety to score 5-stars for the first time," Mr Haley said.

NSW Centre for Road Safety Director Dr Soames Job said the Honda City missed out on 5-stars because electronic stability control (ESC) was not an option.

"ANCAP has required ESC for 5-stars since the beginning of 2008," Dr Job said.

All of the 5-star models include head-protecting side airbags or curtains, anti-lock brakes and ESC as standard. Importantly, the results apply to all models in the various ranges.

There were mixed results for pedestrian protection, with the City, Exiga and Fiesta ECOnetic achieving 3 out of 4-stars. The upgraded Santa Fe improved from 0 to 1- star.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, all Australian state governments, the New Zealand government, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation. For a full list of vehicle crash ratings, go to www.mynrma.com.au/ancap or www.rta.nsw.gov.au.

Contacts:
Peter Khoury NRMA 0439 133 115
Shannon Mackay RTA 0438 272 701

SOURCE: NRMA Motoring & Services