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Australians Denied Life-Saving Technologies In Latest Crash Test Ratings


Australians Denied Life-Saving Technologies In Latest Crash Test Ratings

Author: NRMA Motoring & ServicesDate: 11 June 2009

Australians are being short-changed when it comes to safety features on overseas manufactured vehicles, according to Australia's leading independent vehicle safety advocate, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

In the latest round of safety ratings, NSW Centre for Road Safety Director Dr Soames Job highlighted the fact the Honda Jazz and Kia Soul had missed out on 5-star ANCAP ratings because they lack potentially life-saving technologies that are available on equivalent models in Europe.

"Both models come with electronic stability control (ESC) and intelligent seat belt reminders for all seats in Europe - yet ESC is not available on any Honda Jazz sold in Australia and the base model only has a driver seat belt reminder," Dr Job said today.

"The Australian Soul only has a driver seat belt reminder and the base model does not have ESC. In contrast, the New Zealand Kia Soul has all these features and earns the top 5-star rating from ANCAP."

ANCAP also announced the Audi Q5 and Skoda Superb earned 5-star ratings, based on crash tests conducted by EuroNCAP.

The Kia Cerato and Suzuki Alto achieved 4-star ratings, which is disappointing for new models. Both models have impressive safety features but need safer leg protection to reach the increasingly coveted 5-star rating. Both the Cerato and the Alto also lack seat belt reminders.

NRMA's vehicle safety expert Jack Haley said that passengers without seat belts are over-represented in road fatalities and seat belt reminders are a very effective countermeasure.

"There are now plenty of choices for 5-star safety for small cars in Australia, with several models costing less than $20,000," Mr Haley said.

"It is regrettable that these latest results have not added to that list."

For a full list of ANCAP vehicle safety ratings, including commercial vehicles, and other vehicle safety information, go here and the RTA.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, all Australian state governments, the New Zealand government, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

Contact: Daniel Stanton NRMA 0439 133 092 or Shannon Mackay RTA 0438 272 701

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