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Latest ANCAP results range from two stars to five

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has just handed down a “mixed bag” of crash test results, ranging from the maximum five-star rating to a disappointing two-star rating.


The Indian-made Mahindra Pik-Up was the worst performer in the latest round of crash testing, earning a two-star crashworthiness rating. The Pik-Up, fitted with dual front airbags, matches the Chinese-built Great Wall V240 at the bottom end of the safety scale.

The only lower-ranking vehicles according to ANCAP currently on sale are the Proton Jumbuck and the Mitsubishi Express, which both score just one star.

(New Zealand-specification Geely MK hatch tested in frontal offset crash test)

The Chinese-built $11,990 Geely MK – a small sedan currently only sold in Western Australia – was awarded a three-star result, putting it on par with its compatriot, the $10,990 Chery J1, and the $11,990 Proton S16.

ANCAP does not recommend buying vehicles with less than a four-star crashworthiness rating.

Performing better was the Nissan Micra light hatch, and the Citroen Berlingo and Renault Kangoo small vans. All three achieved a four-star safety rating when tested by ANCAP’s sister program, Euro NCAP.

The Audi A6 and the BMW X3 led by example, both receiving the maximum five-star crashworthiness result when tested by Euro NCAP.

ANCAP Chair Lauchlan McIntosh says although the majority of new cars sold in Australia come with a strong safety recommendation, it is important for consumers to take a look at each vehicle’s safety rating before settling on a purchase.

“These results show that, while we are seeing an increasing number of five-star vehicles in Australia, there are still new cars coming onto the market with considerably lower ratings which provide less crash protection for drivers and passengers,” Mr McIntosh said.

“While motorists have a wide range of models available at different pricing points – and at different safety levels irrespective of price – the ANCAP safety assessment is a vital and valuable aid in the selection of a new car.”

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