Also don’t forget that ANCAP don’t test all cars (or even models within a range), but quote resulsts from other related organisations worldwide, such as EuroNCAP. ANCAP was the first such organisation though.
As an example ANCAP haven’t tested a Falcon since the BA.

So no, the manufactures don’t supply the cars generally. If they strongly dissagree with a result, they may be allowed to supply a car for a second test, at their expense, just like the “optional” pole test.

For Example: lets say the average price of a Large Family Sedan like the Commodore Falcon or Avalon.. I mean Aurion is $30;000 that would mean inorder to do the 5 tests ANCrAP would need at least $150;000 to purchase 5 cars.. from each make – there are 3 main competitors which would make it $450;000

Even more for those categories which include more than 3 cars or those which include Luxury European Cars.. Imagine the cost of a test between an Aston Martin/Lambo/BMW/Merc-Benz/Porsche/Audi if ANCrAp had to pay for em

Then theres the number of different market sectors in Oz such as Hatchback; Medium Sedan; Large Sedan; Ute; Large 4×4; Medium 4×4; Cross-Over/Soft-Roader; Coupe; Cabriolet/Convertible etc

Therefore; we are looking at a multi million dollar budget. which I doubt ANCrAp would Have even with federal funding or support from insurance companies etc..which is why I say that he cars are [more likely] supplied by the car companies as they can write off the cost as research and development.

P.S. THE BLUES WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

YYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“I should clarify, the 1989 model was built by Nissan (as a partner to GM Holden encouraged by the Button Plan), and that Opel (a GM brand) engineered and built the 2005 model.”

Holden also built the engines (after 1987) and stamped some of the major panels on the car.

After reading this article I’m SOOOO glad I bought my SR i30!! (6 bags and ABS, EBD, ESP & TCS)). Safety was right up there when choosing my new car in November last year, particularly coming from a VP Commodore which I witnessed one too many scary moments in the wet with…

I haven’t had to use any of the safety systems in the i30 yet *touch wood* but if I do, I know that I’ll have a MUCH better chance of survival. My life is worth the extra money you may need to spend in pursuit of decent safety. Is yours? Your families? Ask yourself that question when you buy your next car.

This article has been an eye opener for me and I’ll re-think my next purchase, thanks so very much!

The good thing about the Lancer VRX is that although the good stereo is an option while the airbags and other safety features are standard, its only an extra $750 which is a bargain when you consider what you’re actually getting. Very few cars come from the factory with a more powerful sound system, you can probably count them on one hand.

I have the new Lancer VRX and I love it. It is a bit slow when taking off, but it is fantastic when it comes to overtaking.

Duck, yes the test demonstrated a 1989 and a 2005 Holden Astra, however the 1989 model was engineered by Nissan and built in Australia, where the 2005 model was engineered and built in Europe. I think the exercise was to prove as Golfschwein says, the difference 16 years makes in safety.

Also, Duck, I am not 100% confident that the Hyundai ad is the ESC ad they are referring to. I think it may be release by a safety organisation like ANCAP which would more deeply explain the operation and benefits of ESC.

And the fact remains that Holden refused to supply a car for the pole test – it had absolutly nothing to do with supply issues (and the offer is still on the table, they’ve had 18 months).

I agree that ANCAP results can be missleading, however they are a good guide, and it’s all we’ve got. Manufacturers aften haev abetter idea of a cars crashworthiness, after all Ford put the FG Falcon through 5000 computer crash simulations and 90 instrumented prototypes were physically crash tested.

Hopefully we all drive sensibly and won’t need to use the airbags.

I was watching some police chase programme the other day where two cars, one being persued by the cops, crashed into each other at an approximate collision speed of 170mph. all occupants survived with minor injuries.

Whereas Toyota had enough Avalons to do the 5 ANCRAP tests. However the 5th car failed the last test yet due to a loophole in ANCrAP guidelines it was reported that Toyota provided upto 3 more subsequent cars for the tests.. the last one passed the test and ANCrAP awarded the Avalon 5 stars.

So really its not the safety of the Model of car being Tested by ANCrAP in their sterile controlled unrealistic environment but the safety of a particular car of that particular model.. So your Holden Barina may fail the test yet my Barina may have passed.

Which is why I and a number of others on this site don’t put to much weight behind the ANCrAP test results.. those that do are bad drivers as they are either expecting to have a crash or lack the skill/ability to take any form of evasive action.. something which ANCrAP alsoeem to ignore – the factor of human reactions etc.

So, can we assume then that Car Advice will never again recommend anyone to buy a convertible?

“There is a very graphic TV commercial which demonstrates the potential of ESC, which should hit your TV screen shortly.”

^Thats the Hyundai ESC offer till the 30th of June 08.

Richo Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 9:11 am

“Also holden just (last month) did a minor upgrade of the commodore omega, as well as a new grille and alloys and aircon as standard for the same price, they now also include the full compliment of airbags as standard now aswell, meaning holden is another who offers full airbags, abs, traction control and ESP as standard on the whole commodore range.”

Richo, Holen has done minor upgrades like the new grille, alloys, 6 airbags and aircon now standard like you said. But I don’t think it’s the same price. It’s jumped from $34,490 to $36,490 because it has alloys and air con standard now.

Oh yeah………………GO THE BLUES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :)