5-star bonanza from Ancap Crash Tests

NSW Centre for Road Safety Director Dr Soames Job said the Toyota Rukus and the Hyundai Accent were tested in Australia and scored 5 star ratings.

The Peugeot 508, the Lexus CTH200h and the Volvo V60 have all earned 5-star ratings based on equivalent EuroNCAP testing.

Dr Job said the results continued the very pleasing move to 5-star safety as the norm for Australian manufacturers, importers and motorists, and noted ANCAP was releasing more vehicle ratings to inform new car buyers of the vehicle’s safety performance.

"We are pleased to see this bonanza of 5-star ratings in the interests of Australian motorists and we will continue to provide as many ratings as possible for consumers to assist them to make safer vehicle purchases," Dr Job said.

"The Accent continues Hyundai’s safety focus – it scored a 5 star result and includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Control and has seat belt reminders for all seat positions as standard across the range.

"Hyundai are to be congratulated for their safety focus."

NRMA vehicle safety expert Jack Haley said the Rukus achieved a five-star rating after the manufacturer decided to proceed with a pole test, a requirement for a 5-star rating, after testing had been held up due to the natural disasters in Japan.

"The Volvo V60 wagon, Peugeot 508 medium car and Lexus CT200h petrol-hybrid model have also all been given a 5-star rating based on EuroNCAP crash tests, which are in line with ANCAP’s testing protocols," Mr Haley said.

Mr Haley also noted that all Toyota Corollas now have a 5-star ANCAP rating.

"The Toyota Corolla has had seven airbags as standard since October last year which means all models now earn 5 stars," Mr Haley said. "Electronic stability control also became standard across the Corolla line-up last year."

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, all Australian state governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

For a full list of vehicle safety ratings and other vehicle safety information, visit www.mynrma.com.au/ancaporwww.rta.nsw.gov.au