Media statement | 4 June 2008

Safer new cars for under $30,000

Brand new cars containing five star safety ratings are available in New Zealand for less than $30,000 says the Automobile Association and Land Transport New Zealand.

The latest crash test results released by the Australian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) found the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer and the Hyundai i30 received five star safety ratings, both of which have models retailing for less than $30,000.

General Manager of AA Technical Services, Stella Stocks says that this is fantastic news for New Zealand consumers.

“New cars with side curtain airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are becoming more affordable for more New Zealanders. Within a few years these cars will filter down making safer second hand cars available.”

“We want to see safer drivers, in safer cars on safer New Zealand roads, and news such as this is very encouraging. Manufacturers should be fitting all models with these safety features,” says Ms Stocks.

ANCAP crash test new cars and awards them a star rating for safety based on internationally recognised protocols. ANCAP is now working cooperatively with some manufacturers to assist in the development of safer cars.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer rated highly for occupant protection following a series of crash tests – a frontal offset, a side offset and a pole test. The model tested was the top-spec model, which includes head-protecting side air bags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – both prerequisites for a five-star rating under ANCAP's rating methodology.

The Hyundai i30, which also includes side curtain airbags and ESC, achieved five stars after a recent modification improved the vehicle’s knee impact area, which ANCAP had raised as an issue.

ANCAP also announced five-star results from comparative test results under the European program, EuroNCAP, for the Renault Laguna III and Holden Astra – both with side curtains and ESC.

Unfortunately, pedestrians do not fare well in the latest round of results. The Lancer, i30 and Laguna earned two stars out of four for pedestrian protection and the Kia Carens and Astra earning one star. Recent discussions between ANCAP and several manufacturers indicate that improved car front designs are on the way.

ANCAP is supported by all New Zealand and Australian motoring clubs, the New Zealand government, all Australian State governments 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.

For more information contact

Stella Stocks
General Manager - Technical
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. +64 9 966 8908
M. +64 21 772 242