Press Release

New car buyers looking for that major Christmas or end-of-year purchase have a number of new 5-star safety vehicles to choose from, says Darren Moody, the RACT's General Manager, Roadside and Technical Services. 

Australia's leading vehicle safety advocate, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), partly funded by the RACT, has released a number of 4 and 5-star ratings for vehicles prior to Christmas and, importantly, the Federal Government's 50 per cent tax incentive on commercial vehicles, which ends on New Year's Eve.

ANCAP released new 5-star ratings for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Mazda3 with side curtains and the Volkswagen Passat CC.  Current 5-star ratings were extended to additional variants of the Ford Mondeo, Focus and Fiesta and the Volkswagen Passat.

An existing 4-star rating was extended to all versions of the Mitsubishi Triton ute.  The Triton now joins the 4-star Falcon Ute and 5-star Commodore Ute as a commercial utility that has head-protecting side curtains and electronic stability control available.

 "It means a great choice of 5-star vehicles for buyers in the market, and all the more reason to beware of cars with less than 4 stars," said Mr Moody.

Despite earning a 5-star rating for occupant safety, the pedestrian protection rating for the Mazda3 was disappointing, with 2 stars out of 4.  The E-Class earned 3-stars from Euro NCAP, but this was with an advanced pop-up bonnet that will not be available in Australia for several more weeks.

"All other pedestrian results in today's release have been previously published by ANCAP and range from 1 star for the Triton to 3 stars for the Fiesta and Golf."

For a full list of ANCAP's vehicle safety ratings, including more commercial vehicles, and other vehicle safety information, go to www.ancap.com.au  ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, all Australian state governments, the New Zealand government, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation. 

For further information:
Darren Moody, GM Roadside and Technical Services 0419 893 900