Eight new models receive highest safety rating
Four large SUVs are among eight new models to receive the highest 5 star ANCAP safety ratings.
They include the updated Toyota Landcruiser, and the new Ford Everest, both of which were released on the New Zealand market this month.
The new Ford Everest. Picture/Supplied.
The Toyota Fortuner, which will become available in January, was also awarded a 5-star rating by ANCAP, the agency supported by the Australian and New Zealand governments, and motoring organisations such as the New Zealand Automobile Association.
The new Volvo XC90 SUV, which became available here last month, also secured the top safety rating, and is a top 10 finalist in the 2015 New Zealand Car of the Year award, which will be announced on December 9.
“It’s encouraging to see the steady increase of ANCAP top rated cars being introduced to the New Zealand market with a range of safety assist technologies available at a variety of price points ensuring that safe cars are also affordable,” said AA Motoring Services General Manager Stella Stocks.
Volvo XC90 SUV. Picture/Supplied.
Utility vehicles Ford Ranger MK II and the 2015 Toyota Hilux, which is available in New Zealand from December, also join the top safety rating mix.
The Ranger performed slightly better in its frontal offset test giving it a marginally higher overall score. Both include electronic brake distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard across all variants.
“Safety assist technologies play a huge role in helping to prevent crashes on the road. It’s fantastic to see more manufacturers making these standard and getting competitive with what they offer,” says Ms Stocks.
The VW Passat released this month also scored well alongside the luxury model Lexus IS.