Media statement | 23 January 2008

Mixed results in latest vehicle crash tests

The Automobile Association and Land Transport New Zealand today released results from the latest round of Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) crash testing.

The Mercedes Benz C Class, Mazda CX-7 and Mazda2, all fitted with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), scored 5 out of 5 stars for safety.  The Toyota Corolla, Mazda2 (without ESC), Smart fortwo, Kia Rio (with side head protecting airbags) and Nissan X-Trail scored 4 stars, while the Kia Rio (without side head protecting airbags), Kia Cerato and Hyundai Elantra scored 3 stars.

AA Technical Services General Manager Stella Stocks says the latest results again highlight the effectiveness of additional safety features. 

"Front, side and head protecting airbags and ESC have the ability to reduce overall crash fatalities so it is important consumers are aware of this and buy the safest vehicles that they can," says Ms Stocks.

Land Transport NZ Vehicles Manager Don Hutchinson said ESC had been shown to be highly effective in a recent analysis by Monash University, with single vehicle crash rates 25 percent lower for vehicles with ESC than those without.

"From January 2008 the fitment of ESC has been a prerequisite by ANCAP for any vehicle to score five stars. This shows the importance ANCAP attaches to this valuable safety technology."

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, all State governments, the New Zealand government and the FIA Foundation. The AA and Land Transport NZ are both members of ANCAP. Detailed crash test results are available on the websites of both organisations – www.aa.co.nz or www.landtransport.govt.nz/vehicles/ancap.  

For more information:
Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager
Land Transport New Zealand
Ph: 04 931 8829  or  021 276 3222