The new Mazda CX-8 and Volvo XC40 have both earned five-star safety ratings in the latest wave of ANCAP testing, which has grown more aggressive with a number of new changes.
“The hurdles have been raised significantly for vehicles tested from 2018,” says James Goodwin, ANCAP Chief Executive.
“We now test and rate against four key pillars of assessment, and across these we have implemented a range of enhancements to encourage vehicle manufacturers to improve the active and passive safety elements of their models. Most notably, we’re looking at the performance and effectiveness of active safety assist technologies, and the ability of a vehicle to protect a broader range of occupants, including children and females.”
“Parents of young children will know that not all vehicles have the ability to safely fit child restraints in all seating positions. To assist, child restraint installation now forms part of each rating.”
“We are assessing the correct installation of a range of commonly available restraints – from newborn to 10 years – in each of the rear seating positions, and 6 year and 10 year child dummies now feature in our physical crash tests.”
Both vehicles come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, though the Volvo has a technological edge with emergency lane keeping, and AEB that is also considerate of cyclists. The Mazda meanwhile scored higher than its Swedish rival in child occupant protection.
“It was particularly pleasing to see ANCAP engineers praising the CX-8’s ability to safely accommodate child restraints in all five rear seating positions," says Mazda New Zealand Managing Director David Hodge.
"Children are most vulnerable when it comes to accidents and Mazda’s active and passive safety features are designed to provide the highest level of protection for them.”
“The new XC40 is one of the safest cars on the market,” says head of Volvo Cars Safety Centre Malin Ekholm.
“It comes standard with the largest offering of safety technology of any small SUVs, helping drivers detect and avoid collisions, remain safely in their lane and reduce the impact of accidentally running off the road.”