ANCAP has today released the test results for five popular models. The Honda Accord, Honda City, Nissan X-Trail, Peugeot 308 and Toyota Prius C all scored the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating.
While ANCAP is happy that the popular Nissan X-Trail scored a maximum of 5 star, the victory is bittersweet as the model has been de-specified for the Australian market, missing out on the crucial Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) available in European models – as was the case with the Qashqai rated by ANCAP earlier this year.
“The shining star in today’s release is the Honda Accord,” said ANCAP Chairman, Mr Lauchlan McIntosh.
“As a result of ANCAP’s independent testing, we have seen Honda improve the design of the Accord to raise its safety rating from 4 to 5 stars.”
The current model Honda Accord when first tested by ANCAP in July 2013 revealed an elevated risk of injury to the lower legs of the driver in the frontal offset test, resulting in a 4 star ANCAP safety rating.
Subsequent design changes have improved its performance, with a second round of testing revealing a lower injury risk. The frontal offset test score rose from 11.21 points (models built June 2013 to July 2014) to 14.79 points (models built from August 2014 onward) raising its rating to 5 stars.
“This is a great example of a non-regulatory program at work. While not required to improve its performance, Honda has reviewed the ANCAP test results and actively implemented changes to offer consumers a safer car.”
“Now, not only does the Accord offer a long list of impressive safety assist technologies, including AEB on select models, it also offers improved occupant protection through a sound structure. The coupling of sound structure and active safety features is key to saving lives on our roads,” added Mr McIntosh.
For the small car segment, all variants of the hybrid Toyota Prius C and Honda City scored the top 5 star ANCAP safety rating. The 5 star ANCAP safety rating for the Peugeot 308 applies only to diesel variants – petrol variants are unrated.