Latest ratings shed light on commitment to safety

Media Release:  Embargoed until 02.01am on Tuesday, 17 January 2017

Latest ratings shed light on commitment to safety

Toyota has reenergised its Avensis with a number of safety upgrades earning it a 5 star ANCAP safety rating.

The manufacturer reintroduced the station wagon in November 2016 with additional safety features like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and lane support systems, which warns drivers when they’re straying on the road or changing lanes without indicating.

AA Motoring Services General Manager Stella Stocks says that by improving the safety features available as standard, Toyota has shown its commitment to safety and that it recognises the value of safety ratings.

“When it comes to car buying, safety ratings are part of the decision making process. It’s fantastic to see Toyota’s commitment to the ratings system by undertaking an upgrade to the Avensis to make it that much safer for New Zealanders,” she says.

The vehicle also features Autonomous Emergency Braking both for city and interurban speeds, Electronic Stability Control and a number of other crash prevention technologies.

Meanwhile, MG’s new SUV, the GS, narrowly missed out on a full star safety rating after coming up short in its overall crash test results. Its lack of intelligent seat belt reminders for second row seating and the conduct of a successful pole test limited the MG GS to its 4 star rating.

“It’s rare to see a new vehicle achieve anything less than 5 stars these days, but MG can easily improve upon this rating and we encourage it to take steps to do so,” says Ms Stocks,

Of the 45 ANCAP rating published in 2016 only two were awarded a 4 star rating.

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

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.

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