Spread of Ratings Across Marques

Australasia’s leading independent vehicle safety advocate, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) today released the crash test ratings for five marques – 5 stars for the Toyota Aurion, Kia Rio, and Suzuki Swift Sport; 4 stars for the Jeep Compass; and a 3 star result for the Mahindra Pik Up.

Scoring ANCAP’s maximum safety rating is the new Toyota Aurion which has retained its previous 5 star ANCAP safety rating. The Aurion comes equipped as standard with a number of Safety Assist Technologies (SATs) including automatic high beam and intelligent seat belt reminders for all seats – setting an industry benchmark for the standard inclusion of such features. This comes off the back of 5 star ratings awarded to the Aurion’s 4 cylinder cousins, the Camry and Camry Hybrid.

5 star results have also been awarded to the Kia Rio sedan and three door hatch variants in line with the previously awarded 5 star rating for its five door hatch last year. The same 5 star rating has also been extended to the Sport variant of the ever-popular Suzuki Swift.

“These ratings provide consumers with even more choice for maximum safety,” said ANCAP Chair, Lauchlan McIntosh.

“It is also pleasing to see Toyota continue to provide such a high level of safety to the market, and there are exciting times ahead with further SAT innovation in the pipeline,” he said.

Achieving a 4 star ANCAP safety rating is the Jeep Compass which provides a respectable level of occupant protection with dual front airbags, head-protecting side curtain airbags and electronic brake distribution as standard.

Concern still remains however for the Indian-manufactured Mahindra – improving only marginally to gain a 3 star ANCAP safety rating for its Pik Up utility.

“The protection of vehicle occupants is ANCAP’s primary consideration and this is being achieved through a combination of stronger passenger compartments and the inclusion of active Safety Assist Technologies. Over 90 per cent of vehicles sold now have either a 4 or 5 star safety rating so it concerns me greatly to see the Mahindra still well below the standard consumers are demanding,” said Mr McIntosh.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, all Australian state governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

For a full list of ANCAP safety ratings and model specifications, and vehicle safety information visit ancap.com.au.