A range of new vehicles recently hitting the Australian market have been awarded the full five-star ANCAP safety rating, following analysis of crash test data passed over from Euro NCAP. Cars include the 2018 Mazda6, the new Lexus ES 300h, and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Starting with the Mazda6, the maximum rating was expected considering the predecessor was a five-star car as well. ANCAP has given it some impressive scores, though. It received 95 per cent for adult occupant protection, 91 per cent for child occupant protection, and 66 per cent for pedestrian protection. Safety assist technologies were given 73 per cent. The rating applies to all variants on sale in Australia.
Stepping into the new Lexus ES 300h hybrid, the maximum rating was also expected since its donor car, the latest Toyota Camry, has been awarded five stars as well. The new ES rides on the Toyota New Global Architecture, which is safer, but also stiffer, helping to improve driving dynamics.
After studying the results of NCAP’s crash test data, the luxury sedan was given 91 per cent for adult occupant protection, 86 per cent child occupant protection, and an impressive 90 per cent for pedestrian protection. Safety assist technologies were awarded 76 per cent. The rating applies to all variants.
Lastly, the new Mercedes A-Class. The five-star rating applies to all variants available in Australia, with 96 per cent given for adult protection, 91 per cent for child protection, and 92 per cent for pedestrian safety. Safety assist systems were marked 73 per cent.
These latest scores should provide reassurance for a wide variety of car buyers, especially as the criteria for five stars becomes more and more stringent.
