Australasia’s next electric car achieves top safety rating

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) today announced ANCAP safety ratings for a range of small to medium vehicles including Australasia’s next electric-powered car - the Holden Volt.

Models which have been awarded ANCAP safety ratings in this latest round of results include:

• Holden Volt (5 stars)
• Renault Megane (5 stars)
• Audi Q3 (5 stars)
• Nissan Juke (5 stars)
• Suzuki Splash (4 stars)

The Holden Volt, officially launched in Australia this week, performed well across all tests and includes eight airbags (dual front, front side and curtain airbags as well as knee airbags for the driver and front passenger), intelligent seat belt reminders in all seating positions, lane departure warning and forward collision alert.

The Volt is the second electric vehicle to be awarded ANCAP’s 5 star safety rating following the Nissan Leaf in 2011.

“As more electric vehicles enter the market, no doubt consumers are interested to learn of any additional safety concerns regarding these vehicles when involved in a crash,” said ANCAP Chairman, Mr Lauchlan McIntosh.

“Battery-powered vehicles present a different challenge to manufacturers when incorporating crash protection into their designs however the crash protection provided by the Volt is on par with our traditionally-powered models,” he commented.

Mr McIntosh also remarked, “In addition to the Volt being one of the safest choices for consumers, it also has an innovative range-extending petrol generator making it an attractive green vehicle for non-urban areas.”

Audi’s Q3 medium SUV and the Renault Megane launched earlier this year also achieved the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating with the Q3 scoring an ‘Acceptable’ pedestrian protection rating; the Megane, ‘Marginal’. These 5 star ANCAP safety ratings apply to the front wheel drive diesel Q3 and diesel Megane variants.

Available to the New Zealand market, the Nissan Juke which is sold as standard with head-protecting side airbags achieved a 5 star ANCAP safety rating. The Suzuki Splash (2011 model onwards) achieved a 4 star ANCAP safety rating - scoring insufficient points in its crash tests for a 5 star ANCAP safety rating. It also lacked electronic stability control which has been a mandatory requirement for a 5 star result since 2008.

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.

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