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Barina Bounces Back With A Four Star Safety Rating


Barina Bounces Back With A Four Star Safety Rating

Author: NRMA MediaDate: 06 November 2008

Results released today by the NRMA and the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority reveal the Holden Barina has bounced back from a two-star safety rating to achieve four stars under the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

There was widespread criticism of the Korean-built Barina following a two-star ANCAP rating in 2006. The previous model Barina, sourced from Europe and tested by ANCAP in 2001, achieved four stars.

NRMA vehicle specialist Jack Haley said the newly tested Barina had upgraded safety features and improved structural performance.

"We are pleased to see a much better safety result for the Barina after the latest ANCAP tests. The previous two-star result affected their market sales," Mr Haley said.

Director of the RTA's Centre for Road Safety Dr Soames Job said Holden had been keen to improve the Barina's safety performance and ANCAP representatives met with the car's designers in Korea earlier this year.

"Holden has put effort into improving the passenger compartment's structure and reducing the risk of knee injury.

"The company has also made head-protecting side airbags standard and added a driver seat belt reminder. These improvements have contributed to the Barina three-door hatch reaching a four-star rating.

"ANCAP is also planning to carry out a pedestrian protection test for this model Barina. A similar model (Chev Aveo) tested by Euro NCAP in 2006 achieved three stars for pedestrian protection."

The Barina now joins a range of other four-star vehicles in its small-car class.

Please refer to the results section on NRMA and RTA websites, which also contain a full list of ANCAP vehicle safety ratings, including commercial vehicles and other vehicle safety information. Go to www.mynrma.com.au or www.rta.nsw.gov.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.

Crash test still image available at http://tinyurl.com/5f9g79
Crash test video available at http://tinyurl.com/63cygt.

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