Five-star ANCAP rating for Territory
Ford's locally-designed SUV has earned itself top marks in independent crash-safety testingA front-passenger seatbelt reminder has contributed to the Ford Territory scoring five stars in the latest round of ANCAP testing. The 'Beltminder' feature prompts both front passenger and driver to fasten their respective seatbelts and is a standard feature in the Territory SUV since the commencement of 2010 production.
Beltminder is worth extra points towards the Territory's five-star rating from independent crash safety testing authority, ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program).
"The Territory has maintained a reputation as one of the safest vehicles on Australian roads since it was first introduced in 2004," said Ford Australia President and CEO, Marin Burela.
"It was the first locally-manufactured vehicle to be fitted with an electronic stability control system, as well as side curtain airbags and a reverse camera, while it also boasts an exceptionally strong passenger safety cell.
"This latest safety test result is further validation of the strength of Ford's continual process of design and engineering improvement, which has also delivered Territory compliance with Euro IV emissions regulations in recent months."
Ford has convinced ANCAP that both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models are equally safe. According to ANCAP, the all-wheel drive Territory tested achieved its five-star rating with a score of 32.57 points out of a possible maximum of 37. Toyota's Kluger, tested by ANCAP in 2008, returned a score of 33.31 points, by way of comparison.
The Territory was one of a number of vehicles tested by ANCAP in the latest round, others including the Volksagen Passat CC Diesel and Ford Fiesta (both five-star earners), and the Great Wall Motors SA 220 and V240. Both the Chinese commercial vehicles were rated at two stars and the V240 notoriously blotted its copybook during the test when the front passenger seatbelt retractor failed.
With the latest result for Territory -- previously a four-star ANCAP-rated vehicle -- and the Fiesta light car, Ford now boasts a passenger-vehicle range almost exclusively five-star-capable.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
