5 stars, but still room for improvement in vehicle safety

5 stars, but still room for improvement in vehicle safety

Ford fans waiting for the release of the newest Mondeo will be happy to note it, along with the Toyota Prius V and Lexus NX, have all been awarded a 5 star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP).

Set to launch in New Zealand in April, the Mondeo is the latest rated Ford to achieve a maximum ANCAP safety rating, a company that has done well in its ratings in recent years.

All three models include a wide range of crash prevention technologies including electronic stability control and electronic brake distribution as standard features across each range.

The seven-seat Toyota Prius V hybrid increases its family car credentials with side curtain airbags, seat belt reminders for all three rows, reversing camera and provides excellent pedestrian protection. Owners of the model will be happy to note that all variants of the Prius V built from 2012 have the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating.

However, the Mondeo, Prius V and Lexus NX all miss out on making autonomous emergency braking (AEB) standard across all variants. The life-saving technology is only available in higher-priced options across all three models.

AA General Manager Motoring Services Stella Stocks says while it’s encouraging to see more safety assist technologies entering the New Zealand market there is always room for improvement.

“It’s fantastic to see more crash prevention technologies being made standard across latest models, but AEB shouldn’t be left off that list. While it is good the technology is available in some variants, we would prefer to see it made standard,” Ms Stocks says.

ANCAP has published crash test results for a wide range of passenger and light commercial vehicle makes, models and variants sold in Australia and New Zealand since 1992. It 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.

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