Toyota ups safety game
The latest Toyota Landcruiser 70 single cab chassis has hit the market with a 5 star ANCAP safety rating, jumping up two stars after a number of upgrades.
AA Network Support Manager Philip Collings says the standard of safety in new cars has improved markedly in the past six years and Toyota needed to make some significant changes to the model to achieve a maximum 5 star rating.
‘‘It’s fantastic to see manufactures like Toyota learning from previous ratings and pushing itself to meet and sometimes exceed existing high standards,’’ he says.
After receiving a 3 star rating in 2010, Toyota upgraded the new model with structural improvements to the chassis and cabin, the addition of head-protecting side curtain airbags, driver knee airbag, and changes to the bonnet and seat design.
The latest Toyota Prius introduced to the New Zealand market earlier this year also achieved a 5 star ANCAP safety rating. It comes equipped with a platoon of safety features including Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Attention Assist for when drivers get fatigued, and two grades of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) – City and Interurban.
However, New Zealand is missing out on additional AEB technology that protects pedestrians and cyclists as well as Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPSM) – features only available in this model in Europe and the USA.
‘‘While it’s understandable that manufacturers want to keep the price down, we urge them not to undervalue New Zealanders or their safety and want to see the same safety features available overseas offered here, ‘‘ Mr Collings says.
The full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings, other vehicle safety information and the specifications of the rated vehicles are available online at www.ancap.co.nz or www.rightcar.govt.nz.
ANCAP is supported by all Australian motoring clubs, the New Zealand Automobile Association, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.