ANCAP Ute crash test results
March 30, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has recently put four utes through its crash test. Scores ranged from 2 to 4.
The car’s tested were the Holden Commodore ute, the Mazda BT50 4×4, the Nissan Navara D40 4×4 and the Mahindra Pik-up.
The new VE Commodore Ute missed out on a 5-star rating, coming in with a 4-star result. The Commodore’s standard equipment include anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC).
ANCAP Chairman Lauchlan McIntosh was expecting more from the new Commodore:
“We are seeing more and more 4 and 5-star vehicles on the Australian market these days, and we would expect that a utility vehicle should earn a 5-star rating in the near future” he said
The Mazda BT50 achieved a 3-star rating, while the Nissan Navara was awarded a 3-star rating from ANCAP’s sister program EuroNCAP.
The car which will most likely create the most controversy was the Mahindra Pik-up. If you remember Alborz’s review of the Pik-up, his biggest concern was safety, and he was proved right with the PikUp only managing 2 stars out of 5.
The Mazda BT50 and the Ford Ranger, which are essentially the same car, managed 3-stars due to poor passenger protection. The frontal offset crash by ANCAP left the passenger compartment severely deformed, with the steering column, dashboard components and park brake lever presenting as potential sources of injury.
While Nissan is working to upgrade the airbag software of models already in service in Australia. ANCAP advises that despite the improved performance the software will bring, there is still a high risk of serious injury with the retested vehicle.
However ANCAP is more concerned about Australian models of the Navara which were sold without a driver airbag as they are expected to perform worse
than the model tested in Europe, which have standard airbags.
Struggling Indian ute manufacturer Mahindra, was also disappointed by its Pik-Up only rating in at 2 stars.
Given the Ute has minimal safety features (no air-bags), it was expected.
“Mahindra has advised ANCAP it will be providing driver and passenger airbags in 2008 models and the anchorages will be a standard design feature from 2009,” Mr McIntosh said.
The Commodore Ute and Mahindra Pik-Up each scored only 1 out of 4 stars for the Pedestrian test ratings.
Do ANCAP ratings affect your choice of car?
Print it: 
Ranger looks better..
Lolux is poor quality, unreliable and has the durability of someone with down-syndrown … trust me, I KNOW !!
The Ranger however is globally renouned for it’s QualityDurabilityReliability (QDR) and the greatest test of all – Test Of Time – has proven why Australian Farmers, Tradies, Industries and Miners prefer the Ranger more then any of it’s direct competitors … because it is simply a much, much, much better ute !!
Sales to our most challenging industries says it all really …. !!
Besides – while the Ranger is 5 star crash rated, the Lolux are only a dismal 1 star.
I bet the combined efforts of the Toylet Freak and the Rodeo don’t even remotely come close to that of the Rangers.
The Ranger sells because of thier reputation for being a solid workhorse like all other Ford car’s, commercials/4×4’s … PERIOD!!!!!!!!
Goddamn “Oh what a Ford” !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good work AC Cobra!!!
I love it when a plan comes together, Toycars, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Amazing that the AU ute gets four stars equal to the brand spanker Hilux and the AU was first released in 1998!
Falcon. The Great Australian Road Car!!!!!!!!
P.S U would want to make sure your Hilux is still under warranty before u put a ton load in it. They sag in the middle a bit!!!
Hard to believe a Hilux would get 4 stars? 1 or 2 stars sounds believable given the tinny 3/4 size cab on these things.
Yep Realcars, the Falcon is “Trim, Taut, Terrific” “The Supreme Road Car” so in that case “Don’t Settle For Less Falcon Is The Answer” LOL!!
I read once that toyota continue to put substandard cart springs on the Hilux due the the taliban overloading them with troops. Seems Toyota don’t care about the civilised world.
“Trim, Taut, Terrific” sounds like your describing Bavarian Missile
LOL actually…..Trim, Taut, Terrific was the ad campaign for the XL Falcon in 1962. Now I shall return the the 21st century.
Regarding the AU ute business. The standards to reach a 5 Star rating goes up each year to keep up with new technology and impact standards.
So if you ran an AU ute in the tests done today it would not get a 4 star rating.
(Im pretty sure the AU didnt have standard airbags and Im dead certain it didnt have any form of ESP)
There are wacky people who live in La, La, Land and think the Ranger is a good ute then there the Tradesman, Farmers, Industries and Miners who live in the Real World and KNOW whats a good ute.
Check out the sales chart …. you’ll work it out !!
Reality and generations form the greatest test of all – Test Of Time – and Toyota commercials/4×4’s are the greatest conquers of all … PERIOD !!
OH WHAT A FEELING … TOYOTA
ps. Toyota won NASCAR ‘again’ this weekend beating the Americans at thier own game on thier own soil … Ooouuuch !!
I will repeat what some people keep repeating sales sales sales sales sale sales miners miners sales sales miners sales industries sales blah blah blah blah blah….
Ranger looks better..
Lolux is poor quality, unreliable and has the durability of someone with down-syndrown … trust me, I KNOW !!
The Ranger however is globally renouned for it’s QualityDurabilityReliability (QDR) and the greatest test of all – Test Of Time – has proven why Australian Farmers, Tradies, Industries and Miners prefer the Ranger more then any of it’s direct competitors … because it is simply a much, much, much better ute !!
Sales to our most challenging industries says it all really …. !!
Besides – while the Ranger is 5 star crash rated, the Lolux are only a dismal 1 star.
I bet the combined efforts of the Toylet Freak and the Rodeo don’t even remotely come close to that of the Rangers.
The Ranger sells because of thier reputation for being a solid workhorse like all other Ford car’s, commercials/4×4’s … PERIOD!!!!!!!!
Goddamn “Oh what a Ford” !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
p.s. Who cares about Nascar, it’s a gay mans race….put ya cardigan back on………
To all the Toyota fans, Hilux sells well to govt departments, as does Corolla (rentals).
Don’t get all worked up with sales figures as they are not an indicator of what the best vehicle in each category is.
Ranger is indeed a very good truck. Quality? Please do not comment how bad it is as you have NO idea. It is built in Thailand, as is the Hilux. It is well built, well equiped as apposed to Hilux where you still have to “option” A/C for $2000.
I really wish people would get their facts first before posting nonesense.
Hilux is falling behind the competition. The Ranger has come a long way and will continue to get better, seeing how the next model will be designed and developed in Aus.
The Dunnydore equals the score of the previous model Falcon, lets rejoice….. oh wait Ford are releasing a new model. Lets hope Holden gets some sense and recruits a few Ford engineers to show them how to build a car the right way.
Axe – i am employed as an everyday mechanic for Rio Tinto in a Central Queensland Mine as i have been for the past 4 years so don’t you dare even start me on the Ranger and Hilux comparsion because as a ‘god damn given FACT’ – the Ranger has got nothing on the Hilux … PERIOD !!
We have had a few new Rangers for the past couple of months and fact is – interior trim, electrical glitches and transmissions have already been concerns while the Hilux has ALWAYS proven time after time to the most rugged, reliable, dependable and durable workhorse amoung it’s direct competitors and don’t you dare try and tell me otherwise because i know first hand from everysingle working day of my life … FACT !!
As stated, the greatest test of off all – Test Of Time – has proven exactly why Australian Farmers, Tradies, Industries and Miners have always predominately chosen the Hilux before it’s direct competitors because it is infact A BETTER UTE … PERIOD !!
For many, many generations the Hilux has undisputed rugged the most challenging environments of all in Australia and proven beyond any doubt that just like any other Toyota commercial/4×4’s – it is the most reliable, dependable and durable work hack in Australia and anyone who disputes that is a wacked out freak living in La, La Land.
You can not dispute Test Of Time … PERIOD !!
So yes, please – get your facts right before posting nonsense.
And while i am at it, the Hilux is 4 star crash rated compared to the 3 stars of the Ranger/BT50.
OH WHAT A FEELING …TOYOTA !1
There are a lot of PERIODS in some peoples’ lives.
It seems like the most effective means of terminating discussion for those inept at communicating is to finish their sentences with the word PERIOD! Excepting my own example just then, of course!
Does one say this word PERIOD with an Oprah Winfrey-like flourish of the hand? You big nancy thang, you.
MENSTRUAL PERIOD, IS WHAT HE MEANT, HE HAS TO STOP BLEEDING ON THIS SITE, HAVE SOME RESPECT HILUX PROMOTER, PLEASE STOP THE FLOW AND USE SOME PADS, MOP UP THAT DUMB ATTITUDE……
STOP IT PERIOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And while i am at it, the Hilux is 1 star crash rated compared to the 5 stars for the Ranger/BT50.
Quote: No Name – Trim, Taut, Terrific” sounds like your describing Bavarian Missile..
I can tell you that she most definitely is…. and more
I’ve told her that on a number of occassions – as well as other complimentary phrases/gestures.
Love Ya Babe. mmmmwwwwaaaa
Aaawwww shuck you’re a creep Wheelnut/Brembo staying power
Anybody who thinks the Ranger is a better truck than a Hilux is just a blind Ford hack. The Courier and Bravos were just cheap P.O.S. If i had a dollar for every Gearbox in one of those i’ve had to repair I could probably afford not to work anymore. What makes anybody think a Ranger is going to be different than its predecessor after less than 12 months on the market?
It’s all well and good u lolux riders to say the Hilux is the better ute but don’t come whinging to me after your spine packs it in from riding so long in a Hilux!
European Lover, if u love European why do you back Japan made Toyleta Hilux, have you driven a Ford Ranger, if not don’t make assumptions, just wasting your breath, they are great ute’s and look real cool in black I have not heard many Couriers gearboxs fail, though I did hear about Hilux engine’s, drivetranny’s and build quality fail many times………here is one Hilux with gearbox problems can u fix it lover, poor sod…
TOYOTA HILUX 4X4 SR 2006: BEWARE OF NEW HILUX
I HAVE A MAJOR ROTATIONAL NOISE COMING FROM MY GEARBOX IN MY V6 4X4 SR CAB CHASSIS WHEN I PUSH THE CLUTCH IN AND OUT.
“I have a major rotational noise coming from my gearbox in my V6 4×4 SR cab chassis when I push the clutch in and out. It could be confused by a slipping fan belt noise but definitely isn’t any belts as I got my wife to push the clutch in and out whilst I got under to have a listen and the noise comes and goes when the clutch is pressed and depressed, and even occurs when driving in gear. It only happens when the car is cold and then goes away by the time I get to the dealership.
The vehicle has done some light off road work and has only 40,000km on the clock. I took it in for them to look at but the noise had disappeared again. A 4×4 SR5 duel cab was in for the same problem but the noise on this vehicle was constant.
Rang customer service at the Toyota dealership at Magellan when the noise was happening and he could clearly hear it over the phone. They will not fix it until they hear the noise for themselves. Do they think I want them to pull my new car apart for the sake of it?
Toyota needs to look into this one because this will destroy the Hilux reputation, especially when it is brought up in online forums all over Australia.
Oh dear! Lo Lucks quality probs! The only problem with my 1990 Lo Lucks SR5 was unf***nbelievable boredom problems as it didn’t have a cassette player and my company bought it as my new rep vehicle for me to spread the word in the Pilbara.
I couldn’t break it. But the Camray that replaced it in perth in 1991 was easily broken, as they all were.
“Test Of Time Has Proven That The Hilux Is The Best Ute Says:
April 1st, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Axe – i am employed as an everyday mechanic for Rio Tinto in a Central Queensland Mine as i have been for the past 4 years so don’t you dare even start me on the Ranger and Hilux comparsion because as a ‘god damn given FACT’ – the Ranger has got nothing on the Hilux … PERIOD !!”
You said it there pal. Like I stated, using FACTS, that Hilux sales good mainly due to fleet sales!! And who do you work for?? Rio Tino, a large multinational company.
Ranger is just as well built, and better equiped than any equivelent Hilux. Only the SR5 have standard A/C, half the models don’t have power windows!
Toyota also pay national fleet customers to buy Toyotas.
Yes they actually pay subsidies to large firms and govt organisations to buy new Toyotas.
Yes even Holden do it. Ford did.
How do I know this?
I work for a major dealer group. And yes I used facts.
TP,
you have never driven a ute let alone a falcon nor hilux to be able to claim the hilux “the best ute in the world”
all of the jap utes are equally as good as each other.
japs utes cant handle to save themselves. at least you get comfort and handling properties whilst hauling your load in a falcon ute.
have any of you people actually driven a Jap ute whether it be a hilux or courier/ranger?
the gear ratios are unbearable. quite frankly to sum it up they drive like pigs.
hilux’s are overrated for the simple fact that they are percieved as the best, yet arent any better and offer the worst value for the private consumer.
a mate of mine bought a Hilux 12 months ago.
after he bought it, and looked over to a BT50 we parked next to, he felt like he was ripped off as the BT50 was just as good and offered far better value. he admitted he was just sucked into the “if you want a ute think hilux” mentality.
on safety ratings,
from what ive found the AU right through to BF all beat the VZ commodore ute.
has the BF11 been tested? i would assume the different panels on the front of the 2nd series BF would yeild a different result just as the BA/AU reskin did.
either way you put it, they are just as good as each other.
honestly what we are talking about is effectively something like 1 50th of a difference.
and then you have to factor in the posibility that you dont crash into a simulator when you are on the roads. yes they are a good indicator but, no body ever crashes text book style.
to split hairs on such ratings is plain silly.
surely there are other things people would desire in vehicles before bragging about a 50th of a difference
and surprise surprise,
the guy coming to the defence of of a toyota product is Dingo with yet another name change after his previous attempts to gain any sort of credibility under his many previous names.
also guys, if the BT50/Ranger is so hopeless, then how come they outclassed the hilux in the 4×4 ute of the year?
actually, when did the hilux last win an award?
My claims never included ‘I have test driven these vehicles’ did it AndrewM? The fact is unbiased sources are making the claims I quote, I will go off that over a biased source such as yourself. Afterall the Hilux is sold worldwide and had worldwide success, the Ford platform isnt even liked by Ford itself in the states!
you constantly say the Hilux is the best ute. i have never seen any text that constantly backs that up, there fore its your own quote, and therefore you are unable to comment on such qualities as you have never driven one
i dont care what anyone says, but jap utes drive like a pig compared to a falcon or commy ute, and you must have rocks in your head to think otherwise
ok so where is your quote that the americans dont like the falcon? pfffffft
keep your childish bickering comments to yourself
More astonishing logic by TP: “…the Ford platform isnt even liked by Ford itself in the states!”
Goodness!
Who approves every generation of Australian Ford? The RSL?
AndrewM, I was once given a Hi-Lux SR5 as a company car in the Pilbara back in 1991. It was tough and well finished but, Omigod, the gearing! I ran it from the Nanutarra roadhouse to Paraburdoo at 140km/h with the air con going flat-out one day, just to show my contempt for it and the company who bought it because they thought I’d like it better than my VL wagon, and it returned 18 miles per gallon. After 250 km, it was time to fill up. Nice result for a 2.2 litre manual, I thought.
Andrew M, the one reason the local sedan based utes handle or ride better is because they have much lower carrying capacities. The Commodore ute with IRS can’t carry half what most jap ute’s can. The Falcon cab chassis can only carry one tonne when equipped with an alloy tray. Put a heavier steel tray on and its capacity drops below 1000kg. There’s the compromise. Ride V Load Capacity. Put a set of heavier springs under a AU/BA/BF Cab chassis and an empty alloy tray on the back and they ride like a pig too. But atleast they have better seats.
Dlr1,
that isnt the “one” reason why.
there are plenty of reasons why the falcon and commy utes are more comfortable.
the base model falcon ute that is rated at 1 tonne does ride a hell of a lot smoother than a one tonne rated jap ute.
you can also get 1 tonne springs on the style side variant of the falcon
yes, i probably didn’t phrase that correctly, but the point that i was making is that the jap utes have much stiffer springs generally than the falcon, and given their lighter tare weigh (empty) they do bounce around a little more. But as i mentioned so do Falcons when you modify the rear springs to increase their carrying capacity to a similar level. Many of the Jap utes can carry 1.2 to 1.4 tonnes legally when fitted with an alloy tray, the best the ford can get unmodified is 1 tonne in similar configuration.
Dlr1,
mate firstly thanks for a civil discussion.
i still dont totally agree though. i went and scratched up a few figures……….
the GVM of the hilux and falcon ute are the same.
also the falcon and hilux weigh in at the same.
well technically speaking the hilux weighs in at slightly less, but A/C isnt included in the hilux’s weight as they dint fit it as standard gear whereas the falcons weight includes A/C and climate control. also the falcons kerb weight also includes a larger fuel load.
the hilux cant carry like 200-400kgs more
the true load carrying ability of the falcon is 1240kgs. an alloy tray adds 120kgs.
therefore the falcon ute can carry 1120kgs on a maximum fuel load.
so as you see unless you are a dairy cow, the falcon can carry over 1 tonne. even if you factored a steel try it would still scrape over the 1 tonne mark (but i assume only just)
by the time you factor all the extra weight gains to put it on the road, the hilux can only carry about the same.
ive driven cab chassis falcon utes and cab chassis hilux’s (and other jap utes) and the falcon will still easily out handle the jappers
it was unintentional to single out the hilux, but its the first one that came to mind.
Andrew M
Yes the current hilux (3/05 on) has piled on the kilos, the previous series (RZN149R) weighed in about 250 kg lighter. Kerb weights around 1200 or so depending on options.
Mitsubishi also quote payloads around 1300kg on base model tritons. Base Rodeos in similar ballpark. I do also agree that the falcon does ride better than these examples.
I do drive both BA / BF one tonners and similar Jap models on a regular basis. While it may be anecdotal I do find that the Jap utes do carry the (heavier)weights a bit better. While Ford does rate the cab chassis at one tonne the springs seem to be capable of not much more, where some of the jap utes carried similar loads without dragging their tail quite as much. I know its not exactly a scientific argument, just my observation when carrying loads of around 1 tonne.
cheers
Dlr1,
ive been with my mate as we put 1/2 a metre of gravel on his lux.
i’d have to look up the exact weight of the load but im guessing about 750kgs.
even the lux starts to hang down low before you reach its limits.
in my experience with utes, you wouldnt like to take either model to their 1 tonne limit too often. i reckon 750kgs is what should be the comfortable limit.
yes they can technically take 1 tonne, but you wouldnt want to do it every day whether it be a falcon ute or a japper.
if you were wanting to lug 1 tonne day in day out you would be better off with getting a lazy axle fitted or opting up for a F series or a Dyna or a Hino or an Isuzu etc.
the main difference between the 2 and load carrying is that the grunt of the falcon will actually pull the load along with a lot more ease.
the 2.7L lux motor just wont pull the actual load like a falcon will. even if it did legally carry 400kgs more, whats the point of putting a motor in it that will struggle.
the V6 is a bit better, but it still falls short of the falcons grunt and the japper V6’s absolutely chew the juice. i dont know whether its the V6’s you drive but even if you know someone who drives one im sure you’ve heard them tell you they aint good for mileage
the diesel option does improve the economy dramaticlly but the 3.0TD motor still falls a long way short of the falcons power and torque stats
the other reasons why the falcon handles better can also be put down to its foot print on the road.
the falcon has a wider track and longer wheelbase etc.
also the bigger wheels on the falcon would help too.
and then there is the much better seats etc like you have already mentioned.
and on the last gen Lux,
yes it was a bit lighter.
the cabin in the new gen Lux is much much better fitted out.
they now offer standard duel airbags etc which is a big step up from none. also the dash material is much better and looks a hell of a lot more solid than the old gen.
also there was some work put into sound deadening etc too.
i would rather a better cabin than an extra 100kgs legal capacity if it meant your drive was a little more comfortable.
it was a good move by toyota anyway.
i think they had a look at why people were buying the aussie grown utes.
the falcon ute dominated sales right through the AU series right up until recently. i think toyota cottoned on to that people want a vehicle that is better to drive even if it is just a work hack.
and why wouldnt they want to cater for the aussie buyers a little more?
i heard a little while ago that australia takes the biggest load of jap comercials than any other country.
perhaps also why the next Ranger platform will be designed here too
$27,990 driveaway on a 03/08′CabChassis Falcon [auto, 3 seater, LPG, air, 8" tray, trip computer, tow bar etc]
Bloody things are bargain.
Very happy with mine, only early days though!
Average is 14L/100km on LPG, should get it lower as it frees up.
Cheers
F-0
PS Message to Holden Ute “Bench Seat Please!!”
Andrew M, i would agree with most points raised. But would probably note that hilux’s 3.0TD would probably do just as good a job shifting the heavier loads with its peak torque available from only 1400rpm. Probably better at low vehicle speeds, eg stop start traffic ect?
And F-O, am currently driving a BA ute on LPG, trip computer always averages 15L/100 but not really sure how accurate thay are. And why would you want a Holden ute with a bench seat? A matress in the tray is much more comfortable. (hahaha)
Dlr1,
a mate and i each tow around 1 tonne.
when we stop at the lights with him behind me, i easily take off and pull a fair margin on him.
1 set of lights i am particularly thinking of is on a half decent hill.
i kow diesels make their power and toque a little lower, but they dont climb up the tacho as quickly as the petrol motors do.
from what ive noticed the diesel doesnt start to take off untill you are in at least 2nd gear
Ah AndrewM Hilux stories…. very believable… it wouldnt have anything to do with him flooring it and the Hilux taking it easy. Simple fact is, you want to tow, you look at a Diesel with low down torque. Not a LPG powered Falcon.
F-O
good to see you are loving the new LPG ute.
yep a dead set bargain there mate.
i too would expect you to get slightly better milage. forget fords official figures, they are wrong.
15.somethingL/100k no way.
on h’wy the LPG is capable of sub 10L/100k.
in my LPG ute i get 14.5ish/100k towing 1 tonne of gear behind me at speeds no greater than 60kmh (thanks to the 20kmh speed reduction on the back road grrrrr)
ah TP,
the guy who has never driven a ute nor LPG nor diesel vehicle yet claims to be an expert.
surely you would know that LPG vehicles have higher torque and reach both power and torque at much lower revs.
you are batting above your weight here pal, i suggest you move on
Hilux is not the BIGGEST Selling Utility in Australia… I believe that title goes to the Ford F-350 available from VDC in Victoria.. which going from their ad in Unique Cars is about to be surpassed by the 2008 Ford Super Duty.
If Toyota want to sell the Biggest ute in Oz maybe they should omport the Tundra
Matthew M – I figure if it is allowed to be registered to drive on Australian roads, then it is safe enough to drive.
Not So – I mean the new Fiat 500 is able to be registered on our roads yet we saw what can happen to them in an accident during the celebrity race at the Oz F1 GP..
Crash-Bounce-Roll
checked out the TRD Hilux 4×4 supercharged.
Cost is $60,000.
This puts it over the luxury car tax threshold.
Didn’t Rudd-Labor government want to audit people who bought “luxury cars”?
Would utes fall into this category?
There are Ford and Holden utes that could reach over $60,000
I’m frustrated with Rudd-Labor government and their state collegues taxing us hard working Australians.
I would like to see Rudd do some hard yakka work in a mine, or as a labourer.
I think we need to unite against this silly tax.
Utes are getting more expensive because they are putting more safety features into them. Also, they are getting more comfortable.
Airbags, ABS etc all cost money.
So, is Rudd looking at taxing safety?
Most people who have utes need it for their work.
Does Rudd want us to drive a Mahinda with their substandard safety features.
A dead person can’t pay tax!!!