Five-star safety for new Camry, Impreza, XV

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety program has identified three newcomers to the local market as having achieved the highest possible five-star rating.

The newly released Toyota Camry, Subaru Impreza and Subaru Impreza XV are the latest vehicles to have achieved top marks in the stringent new test regime, which now takes into account pedestrian protection.

ANCAP chairperson Lauchlan McIntosh said the results are encouraging, and mean potential new car buyers can shop with confidence when selecting a safer option.

“It is encouraging that manufacturers like Subaru are achieving five-star performance for all the vehicles they produce for Australia,” Mr McIntosh said. “The small car category is highly competitive and manufacturers need every advantage to succeed.

“The Impreza result also applies to the Subaru XV, a high-riding version of the Impreza. It is pleasing that both vehicles also scored in the top category for whiplash protection for the front seat occupants.”

McIntosh noted that the new Toyota Camry had performed very well in all categories, also achieving five-star honours. But cautioned that all manufacturers must work harder to achieve better results for pedestrian protection.

“Both Subaru and Toyota now need to work on getting the top ratings for pedestrian protection. Many manufacturers are now scoring in the top category for occupant protection but more attention must be paid to protecting pedestrians as well.”

Toyota Camry is the second locally built model to achieve a five-star result in recent weeks with Ford's updated SZ-series Territory also recording a five-star result.

For a full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings and other important vehicle safety information visit www.ancap.com.au

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