ANCAP: More SUV top scores

THREE more SUVs have been awarded the maximum five-star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), with the Audi Q7 and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport large SUVs, and Honda's HR-V crossover joining the growing list of high achievers.

The Pajero Sport and the HR-V were awarded almost identical scores with the Mitsubishi narrowly creeping ahead of the Honda with 36.22 points versus 36.21 out of a possible 37 on offer.

Audi's Q7 was assessed on a different basis, borrowing data from the European equivalent ENCAP, which does not result in a single consolidated score, but the seven-seater performed best in adult occupant protection with a 94 per cent result, thanks to maximum scores in the pole, side impact and autonomous braking tests.

Child occupants are also well looked after in the Q7, with an overall result of 88 per cent, although ANCAP points out that the score was set using EU-compliant child seats and Australian consumers should use the score as a guide only.

Pedestrian safety got the lowest score of the tests, with the result dragged to 70 per cent by the Q7's sharp and high bonnet leading edge, which causes potential pelvic injury. An active bonnet improved the score by offering better head protection.

As with increasing numbers of new vehicles, ANCAP praised the Audi for its effective autonomous braking, as well as a speed limiter and curtain airbag protection for all three rows of seats.

Like the Audi, Mitsubishi's large SUV also fared well in the pole and side impact tests with top marks for both, and a respectable 15.22 marks out of 16 for the challenging frontal offset test.

For much of the testing, ANCAP borrowed results from Mitsubishi's Triton dual-cab ute tests, which is mechanically similar to the Pajero Sport SUV, according to the assessors detailed report.

Pedestrian safety was rated as 'acceptable' thanks to a high score in lower leg and head impact but a poor score for upper leg caused by the sharp bonnet edge.

Extra praise was given for seven airbags, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), seatbelt reminders and emergency brake assistance (EBA) as standard.

In the compact-SUV segment, Honda's HR-V picked up its five stars thanks to strong performances in the pedestrian safety assessment as well as the side and pole tests, like the larger candidates.

ANCAP says the Honda was “close to achieving a good rating”, but the central area of the grille and lower A-pillar regions limited the score to 27.39 out of 36 and an "acceptable" rating.

Other good results were recorded for adult occupants with a "good" rating for all areas of front passenger except the lower right leg, which was “acceptable”, while driver had acceptable protection for lower legs and chest with good protection in all other areas.

Special mention was given to the standard fitment of EBD and EBA, while the option of autonomous braking for some variants was also praised.

The latest round of assessments continues a good run of results for all vehicle segments including SUVs, and adding to the list of recent five star awards.

In October, the Toyota Fortuner and Landcruiser, Ford Ranger and Everest, Volkswagen Passat, Lexus IS sedan and Volvo XC90 all took out the maximum safety rating.