Top Safety Ratings For Market Newcomers

Media Release:  Embargoed 12.01am 22 May 2013

Top Safety Ratings For Market Newcomers

It’s a constellation of stars with the latest ANCAP safety ratings announced today for the Holden Commodore, Nissan Pulsar and Audi A3.

The new VF Commodore sedan, wagon and utility have all received the maximum 5 star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) along with the returning Nissan Pulsar and Audi A3.

All variations of the Commodore are brisling with technology both inside the car and underneath. With all variations of the VF Commodore, ANCAP has noted dual frontal, side chest (including pelvis protection) and side head-protecting airbags as standard. Also standard are advanced seat belt reminders for all passengers. Reverse traffic alert, trailer stability control and emergency stop signal also comes as standard on the Commodore.  Additional safety assist technology options include blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping support, daytime running lights and following distance warning.

Back to the future is the new Nissan Pulsar which enters the New Zealand market in place of the Nissan Tiida has dual frontal airbags, side airbags and head-protecting side curtains as standard.

Antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC) are also standard on all variations. Also advanced seat belt reminders are fitted to both front seats.

In addition to all of the Pulsar features, the Audi A3 offers a driver knee airbag and seat belt reminders fitted to all seats.

AA General Manager Motoring Services Stella Stocks says the inclusion of safety assist technology has become fundamental to new vehicle design.

“Manufacturers are consistently showing they are taking driver and passenger safety seriously and these cars have features that are standard across all variations that were optional extras just a couple of years ago.

Ms Stocks says consumers have quickly learned to value safety assist technology.

“Safety has become a priority for all car buyers now, not just new car buyers. As these technologies become standard on new cars, the used cars in our fleet will naturally improve over time.”

NZ Transport Agency’s Group Manager Access and Use Celia Patrick welcomes the latest batch of ANCAP five star safety rated cars.

“It’s great to see safety features built into vehicles across a variety of price points. This is putting safe vehicles within reach of an increasing number of people, and really adds weight to our advice to consumers to buy the safest car they can afford.”

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, all Australian state governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

The full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings, other vehicle safety information and the specifications of the rated vehicles are available online at aa.co.nz or rightcar.govt.nz.

ENDS

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