Famous four get ANCAP five stars

FOUR fancied European imported vehicles have been award five-star safety ratings from the independent Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), despite a few crash test blemishes.

The latest ratings on the new Audi Q5, Audi Q2, Skoda Kodiaq and Mini Countryman are based on tests by Euro NCAP but adopted by the Australian organisation on the grounds that the cars are structurally nearly identical to those just launched in Australia.

ANCAP praised each of the models for the inclusion of safety technologies such as autonomous emergency brake (AEB) – a feature that will become a mandatory requirement for a five-star rating from January 1.

However, the crash testing was not completely trouble free, with all four models copping a “marginal” score at some point.

Even the most expensive of the four, the Mexican-built Q5 medium SUV, lost points on the side pole crash test when the driver dummy recorded a marginal chest protection rating, getting 1.47 points out of a possible 4.0.

The Skoda Kodiaq, which arrives in Australian showrooms in June, was declared marginal in driver chest protection in both frontal crash tests – the full frontal and offset.

The Mini Countryman crossover came a little unstuck in chest protection, with the dummy driver in the frontal offset crash recording a marginal in chest protection. Similarly, the rear passenger dummy also logged marginal protection in the full-width frontal test.

However, the overall result was a major improvement on its predecessor which managed only four stars.

ANCAP chief executive officer James Goodwin described the improvement as a step in the right direction.

“Not only has Mini improved on the structural performance of the Countryman – they’re offering the highest level of safety assist features seen from the brand with autonomous emergency braking including pedestrian detection, and a speed sign recognition and warning system,” he said.

Surprisingly, the smallest Audi SUV, the Q2, fared best on chest protection with good or acceptable scores for all occupants in all crash tests, but slipped up with a marginal lower leg protection score for the driver in the frontal offset crash test.

Mr Goodwin said the Q2 was another good example of key safety technologies being extended beyond large, luxury vehicles.

“Consumers should be buoyed by these ratings which show brands are keeping pace with increasing safety standards,” he said.