Australian designed Ranger a 5 star vehicle for the world

Australia’s leading independent vehicle safety advocate, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) today congratulated Ford on achieving a 5-star rating for the Australian designed Ranger ute to be sold in Australia and on overseas markets.

ANCAP also announced a 5-star rating for the Honda CR-Z sports car.

ANCAP Chair, Lauchlan McIntosh, said the 5-star Ranger had been designed and developed in Australia for world markets. It achieved the top ANCAP safety rating based on detailed assessments from tests conducted by EuroNCAP.

The ANCAP 5-star rating applies to all Ranger Double Cabs, all Ranger Super Cabs, all Ranger Hi-Rider Single Cabs and all Ranger Single Cab Pick-ups sold in Australia, and all Ranger variants sold in New Zealand.

“Ford Australia has worked hard to develop this ute and ANCAP congratulates the team responsible for this excellent outcome,” Mr McIntosh said.

ANCAP did note, however, that the 4x2 single cab chassis Ranger ute did not have head-protecting airbags as standard – and accordingly this vehicle is rated at 4-stars.

“We are surprised that the single cab ute does not include these airbags – a proven safety feature – and are disappointed they are not standard across the range,” he added.

“This seems to be a shortcoming, particularly as these vehicles will be targeted towards fleet purchases.”

The Honda CR-Z sports received its 5-star rating following EuroNCAP testing, which demonstrated the vehicle’s structural integrity and suite of safety features. The CR-Z also has a fuel-efficient petrol/electric hybrid engine.

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’s vehicle safety ratings and other vehicle safety information, go to ancap.com.au.