5 stars for new SUV

Due to hit the New Zealand market by May this year, Toyota’s latest offering is a compact SUV – the C-HR – which received a 5 star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP).

The ANCAP rating is based on tests conducted by Euro NCAP which reveal a solid performance across all areas under review, adult, child and pedestrian protection along with a solid suite of safety assist and crash prevention technology on board.

During the crash tests, which include frontal offset, full width frontal and pole the C-HR demonstrated good cabin integrity with well controlled displacements for the foot pedals and steering wheel.

There was a light risk of serious chest injury for both the driver and rear passenger in the full width frontal test. Maximum protection was provided in the side impact and pole tests.

The C-HR also comes equipped with a set of safety features that, until recently, were more common on luxury brands including a lane support system, emergency brake assist and autonomous emergency braking along with adaptive cruise control.

AA spokesman Liam Baldwin says while the Toyota C-HR is not the most spacious compact SUV in the segment, it ticks a lot of boxes on the safety front.

‘‘Too often we’re disappointed that vehicles released in our market don’t boast the same level of safety features as those sold overseas,’’ Mr Baldwin says.

‘‘While there are a couple of features included on European variants of the C-HR that won’t make it to our market, Toyota has ensured it’s not letting us down.’’

Baldwin says while good cabin integrity is essential in a crash, safety assist technology plays a huge part in helping drivers to either completely prevent one or to minimise harm if it becomes unavoidable.

‘‘Overall, vehicles are reaching higher safety standards which is great for those in the new car market, but also benefits those who buy them second hand in the next two or three years.’’