Steer clear of new vehicles with poor safety ratings

Media Release: Embargoed 12.01am 23 SEPTEMBER 2014

Steer clear of new vehicles with poor safety ratings

Consumers need to be aware that they could be missing out on life saving technology if they opt for the cheapest, brand-new vehicles in some classes.

The latest Australasian New Car Assessment Programme crash tests reveal a second good performance for Jeep this year but a poor result for China’s Great Wall Motors.

The Jeep Patriot becomes the marque’s second model with a 5 star ANCAP safety rating following the 2014 Cherokee results earlier this year.

However, the Great Wall Motors V200 4x4 single cab ute performed poorly in its crash test earning a 3 star ANCAP safety rating.

AA General Manager Motoring Services Stella Stocks says motorists should steer clear of the poor performing ute if they value safety.

She says the relatively low price of the Great Wall ute makes it attractive to some buyers.

“However, consumers would be better off to consider a second-hand vehicle around the same price with a better safety rating. There are plenty of options available,” Ms Stocks says.

“When safety ratings are never mentioned in sales material, it usually says something about the quality of the vehicle.”

In the frontal offset crash test for the V200, the driver chest and upper leg protection was marginal and lower leg protection poor. Chest protection for the passenger was also marginal.

“It’s important to note that the passenger compartment lost structural integrity during the crash test, which would be much worse in a crash with greater forces involved.”

Ms Stocks says the crash test showed that parts of the steering column could cause knee injuries to the driver and dash components could injure the passenger. Accelerator pedal movement was also excessive.

The Great Wall V200 includes dual front airbags, antilock brakes (ABS) as standard. Electronic stability control (ESC) is not included.

The Jeep Patriot Sport 4x2 performed well during its crash test with the passenger compartment holding up well. There was a slight risk of serious chest injury in the side impact crash test.

The Patriot has dual frontal and curtain airbags as standard, ABS and ESC are also standard along with electronic brake distribution (EBD).

ANCAP is supported by all Australian motoring clubs, the New Zealand Automobile Association, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory 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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