20 Mar 2014

The importance of ESC clear in new ratings

The Tata Xenon, a recent entrant to the market, has received a poor 2 star ANCAP safety rating due to the lack of electronic stability control.

Other models in the latest round of testing include the Toyota Kluger, Peugeot 2008, Citroen C4 Grand Picasso and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. All of these models achieved the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating.

The Tata Xenon 4x2 dual cab which has been available to consumers since last year has been limited in its safety rating due to the lack of electronic stability control (ESC). While the Xenon performed fairly well in the frontal offset crash test, the omission of the life-saving active safety system has resulted in a poor final ANCAP safety rating of 2 stars. The Xenon also lacks side and curtain airbags - equipped with dual frontal airbags only.

ANCAP Chairman, Mr Lauchlan McIntosh commented, "While ESC is not a regulatory requirement for light commercial vehicles as yet, ANCAP introduced ESC as one of its mandatory requirements [for 5 stars] more than six years ago. As we raise the safety bar higher and higher each year, ESC is now a mandatory ANCAP requirement for 5, 4, 3 and 2 star ratings."

"With the demise of local vehicle manufacturing on the horizon, we are sure to see a range of new models hitting our shores from emerging markets," said Mr McIntosh. ANCAP will keep on top of these and ensure Australian and New Zealand motorists are being offered the safest cars possible."

At the top of the ratings tree are four more models. The new Toyota Kluger, Peugeot 2008 and Citroen C4 Grand Picasso all reached the 5 star mark. A 5 star rating has also been extended to the hybrid variant of the Mitsubishi Outlander, the Outlander PHEV.

The Citroen C4 Grand Picasso offers a wide range of safety assist technologies including, emergency stop signal, blind spot monitoring, daytime running lights and reversing camera. Side head-protecting airbags extend to the second and third row seats in the C4 Grand Picasso and Toyota Kluger (sold as the Highlander in NZ). The Peugeot 2008 comes with a reversing camera and hill launch assist. Unfortunately none of the vehicles is equipped with autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

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

To search individual crash test results for over 480 vehicles, learn more about safety technologies, explore interactive features, watch videos and to download images and media releases visit ancap.com.au.

Toyota Kluger / Highlander (2014 – Oct 2016) frontal offset test at 64km/h

Peugeot 2008 (2013 - onward) pedestrian test at 40km/h

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso (2014 - onward) frontal offset test at 64km/h

Mitsubishi Outlander (November 2012 - onward) frontal offset test at 64km/h