Landcruiser And Pajero Safety Rankings Climb

Landcruiser And Pajero Safety Rankings Climb While Foton Utility Fails to Shine

Two four wheel drive Kiwi motoring staples have lifted their performance to hold the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating while a newcomer to the market failed to shine.

All variants of the 2013 Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series along with all Mitsubishi Pajero options built from April this year now hold maximum safety ratings while China’s Foton Tunland 4x4 dual cab utility vehicle fell well short with a 3 star Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) rating.

A production change for the Toyota Landcruiser to include dual knee airbags as standard across the 200 Series range elevated its safety rating. Previously only the VX and Sahara variants offered knee airbags. Other variants such as the GX and GXL had a 4 star ANCAP safety rating prior to this year.

Improvements to the Mitsubishi Pajero range ensured all vehicles built from this year will hold the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating.

The Foton Tunland had a relatively poor crash test performance and lacks electronic stability control (ESC), a mandatory requirement for 5 star safety ratings from 2008 and for 4 stars from 2012.

AA General Manager Motoring Services Stella Stocks says the Landcruiser and Pajero are popular choices for New Zealanders and it is good news that motorists will be better protected in the upgraded models.

“It’s disappointing to see that the Foton Tunland is coming here with such a low safety rating,” Ms Stocks says.

“The Foton doesn’t have ESC which is real life saver, particularly in vehicles with a higher centre of gravity. There is no excuse for a new vehicle coming into the market today without this safety feature.

“The Tunland also only provides a lap belt in the centre rear seat. This doesn’t offer as much protection as a three point seat belt which is now generally expected as a standard feature for all passengers in new cars.”

Ms Stocks says the crash test demonstrated a high risk of significant lower leg injury for the driver.

Other vehicles in the same category as the Foton Tunland with a 5 star ANCAP safety rating are the Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50 and Holden Colorado.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Group Manager Access and Use Celia Patrick says the results show the value of the independent ANCAP system.

Safe vehicles, along with safe roads, speeds and drivers contribute to making all road users’ journeys safe. The NZTA, the AA and other road safety partners want to see New Zealanders driving safe vehicles, and ANCAP testing help consumers make informed choices.

“This set of results gives consumers clear direction on what are and are not safer vehicle choices and help consumers to play their part in making journeys safer for everyone,” said Ms Patrick.

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.

The full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings, other vehicle safety information and the specifications of the rated vehicles are available online at aa.co.nz or rightcar.govt.nz.

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