Small car buyers are being urged to put safety before price with
the release of the latest small car crash test results from the Australian New Car
Assessment Program (ANCAP).Only two vehicles in the small car market, the VW Polo and
Golf models, managed to gain a "Good" rating in the latest round of tests.
The new results released today by the RAC feature the Daihatsu Sifton, Mazda Metro 121,
Kia Mentor, Daewoo Lanos, Peugot 306, VW Golf, Suzuki Baleno and Daewoo Nubira.
Mike Upton, RAC Senior Engineer (Policy) said the results, compiled from full frontal
and offset crash tests, were an extremely important tool for consumers purchasing a new
small car.
"Get hold of the crash test results and use them—don’t fall into the
trap of purchasing a small car based on price alone," Mr Upton said.
"During small car price wars, consumers may be tempted to overlook safety features
to get a ‘bargain’.
"Safety should be as important as fuel economy or styling when buying a new
car."
ANCAP is the body set up to independently assess new car occupant protection in
Australia.
ANCAP testing provides a guide as to how well a vehicle protects occupants in a severe
frontal crash. The test results are based on evaluation of the vehicle’s structure,
seat belt performance and intemal design.
"On a scale of Good, Acceptable, Marginal and Poor, the VW Golf was rated Good,
the Peugot 306 Acceptable, and the Daihatsu Sirion, the Mazda Metro 121 and the Kia Mentor
built from September 1998 received ratings of Marginal," Mr Upton said.
"The 3-door Daewoo Lanos, Suzuki Baleno and the Daewoo Nubira received overall
ratings of Poor.
"The results indicate that occupant protection can vary widely between models in
the same size range and that protection levels are greatly improved when airbags are
fitted."
