RAC welcomes stricter pedestrian safety in cars

03 February 2012

The RAC has welcomed the ANCAP safety ratings of the Honda Civic and Hyundai Veloster, which received 5 stars each under a new ratings system that now takes into account pedestrian protection.

The inclusion of pedestrian protection into the safety ratings is part of the ANCAP Road Map, which annually increases the safety features that are required on new cars for them to receive 5 stars.

The Honda Civic was awarded ANCAP’s maximum 5 star rating for occupant protection as well as the highest possible rating of “Good” for pedestrian protection.

“With the inclusion of pedestrian protection ratings into the overall rating from 2012, Honda should be congratulated on achieving ANCAP’s highest result in that aspect of the testing,” RAC Manager Vehicles and Fuels Alex Forrest said.

“Pedestrian protection is an area that has not been well addressed amongst the current fleet so Honda has thrown out a challenge to other vehicle manufacturers.”

The 5 star rating of the Hyundai Veloster sports coupe is another addition to Hyundai’s range of mostly 5 star rated vehicles.

“The Veloster will have strong appeal to young people, both as a new car and in the used car market in years to come,” Mr Forrest said.

“Hyundai should be applauded for offering excellent safety in this car right from the start, especially in light of the new higher safety standards set out in ANCAP’s Road Map.”

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.

For a full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings, other vehicle safety information and the specifications of the rated vehicles go to www.ancap.com.au.

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