Australians Denied Life-saving Technologies In Latest Crash Test Ratings

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10th June 2009, 06:40pm - Views: 768





People Transport Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) 1 image




MEDIA RELEASE

6am AEST 11 June 2009


AUSTRALIANS DENIED LIFE-SAVING TECHNOLOGIES

IN LATEST CRASH TEST RATINGS


Australians are being short-changed when it comes to safety features on overseas

manufactured vehicles, according to Australia’s leading independent vehicle safety

advocate, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).


In the latest round of safety ratings, ANCAP Chair Lauchlan McIntosh highlighted the fact

the Honda Jazz and Kia Soul had missed out on 5-star ANCAP ratings because they lack

potentially life-saving technologies that are available on equivalent models in Europe. 


“Both models come with electronic stability control (ESC) and intelligent seat belt reminders

for all seats in Europe - yet ESC is not available on any Jazz in Australia and the base

model only has a driver seat belt reminder,” Mr McIntosh said today.


“The Australian Soul only has a driver seat belt reminder and the base model does not have

ESC.  In contrast, the New Zealand Kia Soul has all these features and earns the top 5-star

rating from ANCAP.”


ANCAP also announced the Audi Q5 and Skoda Superb earned 5-star ratings, based on

crash tests conducted by EuroNCAP.


The Kia Cerato and Suzuki Alto achieved 4-star ratings, which is disappointing for new

models.  Both models have impressive safety features but need more work on leg protection

to reach the increasingly coveted 5-star rating.  Both the Cerato and the Alto also lack seat

belt reminders for the front and rear passengers.


“Despite generally high seat belt wearing rates in Australia, passengers without seat belts

are over-represented in road fatalities and this simple device is a very effective

countermeasure,” Mr McIntosh said.


“There are now plenty of choices for 5-star safety for small cars in Australia, with several

models costing less than $20,000.  It is regrettable that these latest results have not added

to that list.”

For a full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings and other vehicle safety information, go to

www.ancap.com.au.   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.

Contact:

Lauchlan McIntosh


ANCAP Chair


0418 424 886



Allan Yates



ANCAP


0421 150 229






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